Ancient Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya

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Ruins of Manthota Rajamaha Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Manthota, one of the earliest ports of Sri Lankan history, is the location which Prince Vijaya, the first link of the Sinhalese origin landed in the 6th century BC. The area with the copper coloured sand was called Thambapanni. Until about the 12th century, Manthota ( aka Mahathiththa) was one of the busiest ports connecting India, China and Persian gulf countries.

Manthota is most known for the Tiruketeeswaram Kovil which is one of the five main kovils scattered around the country dedicated to God Siva. But few hundred meters away from this kovil lies the Manthota Rajamaha Viharaya unknown to many.

The builder of this ancient temple is not known and no research has been done on the historic value of this temple. There are six ancient Bodhi tree at temple indicating that it would have been an important temple complex in the ancient past. An pillar inscription found at the site has been dated to 10th century. Although mostly wasted, this inscription states of a victory and a donation of 500 statues to the temple. Large number of granite pillars, granite steps, various items carved out of rock and few torsos of Buddha ( also carved out of granite) is all what remains today of its glorious past.

Unfortunately no study or excavation work has been carried out on this site.

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Map of Ancient Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya

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Driving Directions to Ancient Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Anuradhapura to Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya
Through : Negombo – puttam – Eluwankulama Distance : 262 km Travel time : 6 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Madawachchiya Distance : 110 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map