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Mottuna Kireetaramaya Viharaya (also known as Kiritaramaya Viharaya) is a modern temple complex that includes one distinctive, older building. This standout structure is an ancient Tampita Viharaya—a temple built on pillars.
The term “Tampita Viharaya,” which means “Temple on Pillars,” refers to a style that was popular during the Kandyan kingdom. In this design, the temple is built on a raised platform supported by a series of pillars, mostly made of stone.
A typical Tampita Viharaya is divided into three distinct areas, with the inner chamber serving as the main shrine. In this central space, you’ll usually find a seated Buddha statue positioned to face the entrance, accompanied by standing Buddha statues along the sides. The shrine is often decorated with statues or paintings of Sariputta and Moggallana Theros, as well as other deities like Saman, Vishnu, Natha, and Siva, in addition to images of patron kings and dignitaries. The walls of the inner room are adorned with artwork that narrates Jataka tales and other significant events from Buddhist literature.
The second space is the narrow circumambulating path or a verandah which encircles the inner room. This is sometimes completely covered by an outer wall or exposed to the outside with a short timber or wattle and daub side wall.
Typically, the verandah or circumambulatory path extends out in front of the inner sanctuary, forming a distinct third space. This area is accessed from the ground level by a few steps, which often is a step ladder.
The Tampita Viharaya at Motunna is built on 21 stone pillars, each standing 1.14 meters high. A circumambulatory path surrounds the image house—measuring 1.7 meters wide at the front and 74 centimeters along the sides and rear. The image house itself measures 3.50 by 3.12 meters, while the overall building spans 6.78 by 5.11 meters.
Originally, it was located on the edge of the Kiritaramaya temple grounds near the paddy fields, but it was later moved to a higher position within the temple premises.
This viharaya, located within Mottuna Kiritaramaya Viharaya, is regarded as one of the best-preserved and maintained Tampita Viharayas in the Gampaha District. Recent restorations have reinforced the original granite pillars with concrete supports. At the entrance to the inner chamber, you’ll notice statues of two guardian deities.
Inside, the main feature is a seated Buddha statue facing the door. The statue is framed by a painting of a horseshoe-shaped halo with a flame design—a style typical of Kandyan-era temples. Above this, paintings of the Sun and Moon adorn the top of the wall, while lower down, images of Sariputta and Moggallana Theros decorate the space. Additionally, statues of the deities Vishnu (known locally as Upuluwan) and Saman are positioned beside the Buddha along the side walls.
To visit the temple, travel about 500 meters from Veyangoda toward Nittambuwa. Turn left onto Kottala Road and continue for 1.7 km until you see a billboard directing you to a narrow bylane that leads to the temple.
Alternate names : Mottuna Tampita Viharaya
References
- Chandrasekara, D. P., & Silva, K. D. (2021). The Ṭämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image- Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Mottunna Sri Kireetaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya
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Traveling directions to Mottunna Sri Kireetaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya
| Travel directions from Colombo to Mottunna Sri Kireetaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya |
| Distance : 43 km Travel time : 1.5 hour Time to spend : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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