Medawala Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya

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The Medawala Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the Medawala Grama Niladhari division, falling under the Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat in the Kandy district of the Central Province. To reach the temple, one needs to travel approximately 1.5 km from Medawala town on the Kandy-Doranegama road. Medawala Viharaya, a temple belonging to the Malwathu sect of the Siam sect, is administered under the guidance of Venerable Dehigama Chandrarathana Thero.

Evident from its mention in the Vihara Asna, or Nam Potha, a popular educational resource during the Kandyan era, the temple held significant prominence during that time.

According to folklore, the history of the Medawala temple dates back to the reign of King Wattagamani Abhaya (103 BC), where it is believed this temple was built by him during his stay in Malaya Rata. There are two written sources that shed light on the temple’s history. One is the inscription in the garden of the Medawala Viharaya and the other is a Medawala Sannasa. According to the Sannasa, King Kirti Sri Rajasingha (1755) is credited with the construction of the temple. Considering the architectural elements found within the temple, such as the Tampita Viharaya, Buddha images, and frescoes, it is evident that its historical roots belong to the Kandyan era.

The Medawala Viharaya holds great reverence amongst the local population as a hub for Buddhist religious activities, presenting numerous religious, architectural, archaeological, and aesthetic values. The Tampita Vihara and New Buddhist Temple hold particular significance for the faithful. Additionally, the Pohoya House situated in front of the Tampita Image House caters to the disciplinary needs of the monastic community.

The Tampita Vihara within the temple premises represents one of the most renowned examples of this architectural style in the country. This style emerged during the Kandy period, serving as a means to protect wooden statues from soil moisture and pests like termites prevalent in the humid regions of Sri Lanka. Tampita temples following this tradition are widespread in districts such as Kurunegala, Kegalle, and Kandy.

මැදවල රජමහ විහාරය් — Medawala Rajamaha Viharaya

The Tampita Viharaya at Medawala features a base constructed with 20 stone pillars vertically placed on a platform. The structure is framed by 16 elaborately carved wooden posts with crosswise wooden beams resting on stone piers. The rectangular image house follows the Valitti technique, maintaining a gap from the wooden posts. The door of the image house is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. The elevated path, known as Piyassa, belonging to the Kandy period, is crafted using wooden poles along the walls and circumambulating path. Traditional patterns using petal tiles decorate the Piyassa, while a Biralu fence encloses the circumambulating path. Wooden steps provide access to the viharaya.

Upon entering the wooden gate leading to the shrine, one encounters two guardian deities on either side. The entrance to the inner chamber is adorned with decorative patterns in the Kandy style. Once you enter the chamber, you will come across the marble Buddha statue of Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra underneath the intricately designed Makara Torana (Dragon Arch). The statue adheres closely to the Kandy art tradition, seated atop a raised seat with a Dragon Arch featuring carved and painted bas-relief designs as its backdrop. To either side of the main Buddha statue, statues of black-colored deities or guardians can be observed. Four major deities are depicted on the Makara Torana, with paintings filling the spaces between the statues. Flanking the main statue is a pair of smaller statues in standing postures, displaying a more contemporary form compared to their predecessors.

The walls of the statue are decorated with paintings in the Kandy style, rendering them a source of national acclaim for Medawala Vihara. With a tradition of continuity, the left wall’s upper tier portrays the Solosmasthana (sixteen holy sites), while the second column depicts the Arhats on their way to worship the Buddha. The topmost section of the right wall features Sath-Sathiya, while the second section showcases Jataka stories, including the significant Vessantara Jataka. Monks, nobles, and commoners adorn the walls on either side of the entrance.

Throughout the wooden ceiling of the image house, one finds depictions of Tusitha Bhavana (the Heaven named Thusitha), accompanied by prominent floral motifs.

These murals have undergone various destructive work over time. Despite previous preservation efforts by the Department of Archaeology, there remain lacunae, cavities in the pigment layer, and signs of cracks among the murals, especially due to moisture. The wooden ceiling has also suffered from termite infestations. The Department of Archaeology continues to strive to prevent further deterioration and conserve this valuable heritage.

In front of the Tampita temple stands a Pohoya Geya. This architectural structure amalgamates features from both the Kandy and Dutch styles. The raised platform and the roof exemplify the Kandy style, while the walls and pillars reflect Dutch influences. A specially designed Wahalkada provides access to the Tampita Vihara, Pohoyageya, and the new image house. This too shows a blend of Kandyan and Dutch architectural styles.

The Wahalkada is a rectangular structure accessed through a stone staircase. It sits on a slightly elevated plinth, boasting full walls on the front and sides, with the back wall being half-wall. Two cylindrical pillars inspired by the Dutch style grace the sides of the entrance, embellished with a dragon Arch. The roof, featuring patterns akin to the Kandy style, adorns the structure. A palanquin, thought to have been used for transporting monks in the past, is also on display within the Wahalkada.

Another architecturally significant site within the Medawala Viharaya is the Bhikkhu Dwelling House. While the front of the house with its central courtyard has undergone modifications over time, the center yard continues to be utilized for storing paddy.

Preserving the Medawala Vihara as a precious place of worship, embodying architectural, archaeological, aesthetic, and religious values in the highlands of Senkadagala, is a crucial social responsibility. By doing so, we ensure the transfer of this unique heritage to future generations.

Viharadhi, Venerable Dehigama Chandrarathana Thero,
Medawala Rajamaha Viharaya, Medawala
Note: Mahinda Karunaratne
Photos: Chandima Ambanwala

Tampita Viharaya of Medawala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Medawala Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya

Road from Colombo to Medewala Tampita Rajamaha Vihara	Road from Kandy to Medewala Tampita Rajamaha Vihara
Via : Kandy Road – Peradeniya – Madewala Distance : 130 KM Travel Time : 4-4.5 Hours Route : View on Google Map	Via: Peradeniya – Weligalla Distance: 19 km Travel Time: 30 minutes Route: View on Google Map