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photo by : Milinda Huruggamuwa
Dambadeniya Metiyagane Mayurawathi Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple on the Dambadeniya – Narammala road just 4 km from Dambadeniya. Based on the dating of inscriptions found at the temple, the history of this temple goes at least back to the 1st century.
In the older times, this temple was called Metiyagane Rajamaha Viharaya and was later named after a queen named Mayurawathi who was the grandmother of Parakramabahu VI (1411-1463) of Kotte kingdom.
Various rulers have renovated this temple since its inception and according to a copper plate presented by Parakramabahu VI (1411-1463) to the temple, he had renovated it in 1429. Thereafter this temple was renovated again in 1625 by King Rajasinghe II (1635 – 1687) of Kandyan Kingdom who had donated it to Gunadahe Dammadassi Thero along with the new upper temple (uda maluwa) through a silver plate.
The main image house of the temple lies inside a spacious rock cave about 300 feet above the temple. You will find a Samadhi statue, a reclining statue and a small stupa which has been renovated and painted several times recently. In 2017 it was reported that this small stupa had been dug by treasure hunters for the 8th time in the recent past in search of the treasures hidden inside it.
In addition to this cave, there are several caves with drip ledges used by the meditating monks during ancient times scattered over the hill which have not been explored or cleared. The temple premises also is scattered with many granite ruins belonging to the Anuradhapura era.
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Map of Metiyagane Mayurawathi Rajamaha Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Metiyagane Mayurawathi Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Metiyagane Mayurawathi Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Through : Airport expressway – Giriulla – Dambadeniya Distance : 79 km Travel time : 2 hours Time to spend : 30-45 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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