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The Nagadeepa Viharaya in Ridimaliyadda is a mystical ancient complex linked to King Dutugemuṇu’s military camps. Featuring two stupas and inscriptions from the 7th–10th centuries, this protected site is renowned for its supernatural reputation and a gold-plated cobra statue commissioned after the 2009 victory.
The name Nagadeepa Viharaya commonly brings to mind the well-known shrine at Jaffna. However, deep within Uraniya village, in the Bintenna Korale of the Ridimaliyadda Divisional Secretariat in the Badulla District, lie the ruins of an ancient and largely unexplored temple complex also known as Nagadeepa Viharaya. Among local villagers, this site is associated with mystical and supernatural powers.
Modern Associations and Beliefs
Even Mahinda Rajapaksha, having heard of the reputed mystical qualities of this temple, visited the site in November 2007 to make a vow seeking victory over the Tamil militant forces that had caused widespread loss of life over nearly three decades.
Setting and Folklore
The ruins of the temple are situated adjacent to the Nagadeepa Reservoir in Ridimaliyadda. According to local folklore, this region was inhabited in ancient times by the Naga (cobra) tribe, which is believed to have given rise to the name Nagadeepa.
The reservoir in Uraniya, known as Nagadeepa Wewa, was constructed in 1968. With the establishment of this irrigation scheme, a significant portion of the temple’s land—including many unexplored ruins—was submerged beneath the waters of the Nagadeepa Wewa.
Historical Traditions
Due to the absence of a comprehensive archaeological survey of the Mahiyangana Nagadeepa site, its full history remains uncertain. Nevertheless, local tradition traces its origins back to the reign of King Dutugemunu. It is said that the prince used this area as a campsite and training ground for his army, and that he made a vow here before embarking on his war against Elara.
Archaeological Features
The temple complex comprises the remains of two stupas along with numerous structural ruins. Based on the characteristics of an inscription discovered at the site, its antiquity may date to around the 6th–7th centuries CE. Additionally, pillar and slab inscriptions dating from the 9th–10th centuries CE have been identified within the premises.
The smaller stupa at the Nagadeepa site is traditionally believed to have been constructed by King Dutugemunu, and it remains relatively well preserved up to the Devatha Kotuwa.
Above this stands a much larger stupa, now appearing as a huge mound of earth overgrown with vegetation. At its summit are the remains of an ancient image house.
Restoration and Present Structures
Partial restoration work at the site was carried out in 1989 under the direction of President R. Premadasa, in parallel with the Gam Udawa program held in Mahiyanganaya. The present residential building for the bhikkus, surrounded by ancient stone pillars and other ruins, has been constructed atop the site of an earlier Buddha image house.
Contemporary Beliefs and Custodianship
Today, the temple is maintained by a single monk, who is said to be the only individual capable of residing there despite the site’s association with supernatural forces. Many other monks who previously attempted to live at the temple reportedly left due to fear attributed to these unseen influences, leaving this monk as the sole caretaker.
The Cobra Statue and Later Events
Following the end of the war, Mahinda Rajapaksha revisited the site and fulfilled his vow by commissioning a covered shrine housing a cobra statue approximately 1.5 feet (about 0.46 meters) in height, crafted in silver and plated with gold. Initially concealed from public view, the statue was later repositioned on the advice of an astrologer. A second enclosure, constructed to the east of the stupa and made of glass, was built to display the cobra statue openly.
In February 2015, it was reported that this statue had been stolen from the temple.
Protection Status
The Department of Archaeology has officially declared the Ridimaliyadda Nagadeepa Viharaya a protected monument.
Also See
Map of the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya at Mahiyanganaya
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Traveling to Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya at Mahiyanganaya
| Route from Mahiyanganaya Town to Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya at Mahiyanganaya |
| Through : Mahiyangana – Uraniya – Bibile Distance : 26 km Travel time : 45 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
