Medagodella Sri Sumanaramaya Tampita Viharaya

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Medagodella Sri Sumanaramaya Tampita Viharaya

Located on a rock outcrop near Rambukkana, the Medagodella Tampita Viharaya rests on 16 granite stumps over a raised base. Built during King Narendrasinha’s reign, this Kandyan-era timber shrine features an image house with a circumambulatory path, though original murals and woodwork were lost to modern renovations.

Medagodella Sri Sumanaramaya Viharaya is an ancient temple dating to the Kandyan era, located approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Rambukkana town. The temple is believed to have been established during the reign of King Vira Parakrama Narendrasinha (1707–1739). Among the more recently constructed buildings within the temple complex, the oldest surviving structure is a Tampita Viharaya.

A Tampita Viharaya is a structure built on a wooden platform supported by a number of stone stumps, which are usually approximately 0.9–1.2 meters (3–4 feet) high. The roof is supported by a timber framework, while the walls are generally constructed using wattle and daub. The interior walls of the shrine chamber are also commonly decorated with paintings, primarily executed in the Kandyan style.

Architectural Features

The Tampita Viharaya at this temple has been constructed on a natural rock outcrop adjoining paddy fields. A platform approximately 0.6 metres (2 feet) high has been built on the rock, upon which 16 granite stumps, each measuring approximately 0.5 metres (1 foot 8 inches) in height, have been placed. Timber beams measuring approximately 0.25 metres (10 inches) in both width and height rest on these stone stumps. Timber planks approximately 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) thick have been laid over the beams.

The image house of the Viharaya measures approximately 4.3 metres (14 feet) in length and 2.59 metres (8 feet 6 inches) in width. A narrow circumambulatory path approximately 0.45 metres (1 foot 6 inches) wide surrounds the image house and is bordered by a half-height wall. The front section is more spacious, measuring approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) in width.

The half-height wall surrounding the structure is constructed from wooden planks, which are probably the result of a more recent renovation. Originally, this feature may have consisted of an artistically crafted wooden balustrade.

Loss of Original Features

Unfortunately, many of the original architectural features of the Tampita Viharaya have been lost during subsequent renovations. The original entrance has been replaced with cement steps, whereas the original structure would likely have incorporated an entrance constructed of wood or stone. The original wooden floor has also been covered and buried beneath a layer of cement, with ceramic tiles subsequently laid over it. There are no guard statues or wall paintings remaining today.

According to a report by H. C. P. Bell published in 1892, the walls of the Tampita Viharaya were decorated with paintings depicting Suwisi Vivaranaya, while the roof was adorned with floral and creeper motifs. None of these paintings survive today. The only images now visible within the shrine are a seated Buddha statue flanked by two standing Buddha statues.

The report also records the presence of a stone slab within the temple premises featuring a carving of a group of musicians playing instruments. This artifact has also disappeared.

Access Route

To reach the temple, travel approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) from the Kegalle bypass junction and turn towards the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Continue for approximately 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles), passing the orphanage, until reaching Pinnawala Central College. Take the Medagodella Road, located directly in front of the school, and travel approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) to reach Medagodella Sri Sumanaramaya Viharaya.

References

Wijewardhana, K. (2009). ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ටැම්පිට විහාර. Dayawansa Jayakody & Co.

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