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Hidden deep within Meewalapathaha village between Galewela and Dambulla, this restored early Anuradhapura-era Pabbatha Vihara features a square-based stupa, granite pillars, and a stone flower altar. Excavations in 2016 revealed remarkable craftsmanship—its 11 m (36 ft) wide stupa stands as a silent testament to Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage.
The conserved Meewalapathaha Archaeological Reserve is located in and around the Meewalapathaha Purana Chaithya Wardhanaramaya temple. The site features a well-preserved ancient stupa built on a square platform. Around the stupa, visitors can observe a stone slab flower altar and several granite artifacts unearthed during excavations, now displayed for public viewing.
Situated between Galewela and Dambulla, off Talakiriyagama, the site lies deep within the secluded village of Meewalapathaha in the Matale District. The stupa underwent restoration in 2016. Its first basal ring (pesa walalu) was constructed using molded bricks arranged in the 7th, 8th, and 9th rows, while the second basal ring was completed on the 13th, 14th, and 15th rows. After conservation, the restored dagoba measured approximately 11 meters (36 feet) in diameter and stood about 3 meters (10 feet) high.
Scattered granite pillars, which once supported ancient buildings, can be seen across the temple grounds. According to the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Dembawa Gunananda Thero, the site has been identified as a Pabbatha Vihara dating back to the early Anuradhapura period, highlighting its historical and architectural importance.
References
- Dissanayake, S. B. (2024). 2016 වර්ෂය සඳහා පුරාවිද්යා අධ්යක්ෂක ජනරාල්ගේ පාලන වාර්තාව. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Also See
Map of the Meewalapathaha Archaeological Reserve
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Driving Directions to Meewalapathaha Archaeological Reserve
| Route from Galewela to Meewalapathaha Archaeological Reserve |
| Though : Talakiriyagama Distance : 13 km Travel time : 25 mins Driving directions : see on Google map |
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