Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya – මාන්තොට පුරාණ රජමහා විහාරය
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Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
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.
Also See
Map of Ancient Mantota Rajamaha Viharaya
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
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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 |