Heritage

Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya (නයින්දනාව රජමහා විහාරය)

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The cave image house of Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya which lies in a remote village off Polpithigama in Kurunegala District is not a popular temple of regular pilgrims. The archaeological value of this temple is extremely high but unfortunately, it has not yet been taken under the relevant authorities to protect these items for future generations.

The primary archaeological value of this temple lies in the unique massive seven-headed cobra carved into a rock. It is said name of the temple is also derived from this carving.

It is believed that this carving was done during the period of King Mahasen (276-303) but some believe this carving to be a place of worship of the indigenous Cobra tribe (Naga Gothrika) going back beyond the 6th century BCE.

The temple itself goes to the period of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC) and it is believed that this was the adobe of one of the first 60 priests ordained by the Great Mahinda Thero who brought Buddhism to the country.

Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya is mentioned in a number of ancient historical documents such as Mahavamsa, Visuddhi Margaya and Manorathapuranaya. The ancient stupa of the temple was built by the King Devanampiyatissa and the temple was renovated by King Sirisangabo (251-253) according to the chronicles.

One of the rock inscriptions in the temple states that a pious layman named Gotaimbara donated a drip-ledged cave to an Arhat thero called Kujjitissa. A statue that has been carved near this inscription is believed to be the statue of the said Thera.

In addition to the above items, the temple also has two ancient Bahirawa Images carved out of Rock, a Buddha image belonging to the Polonnaruwa Period, and another smaller image belonging to the Kandyan Period, two rock inscriptions and a large number of slabs of carved Sri Pathul ( footprint of Buddha) in various states.

Unfortunately, all these historic items are yet to be properly preserved by authorities.

The cave built by King Saddhatissa with a statue of Kujjitissa Thero covered by the robe wore by him before reaching arhath at Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

Dripledge inscriptions at Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

The Giant Seven Hooded Cobra at the Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

The Bahirawa statue at Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

View from top of the caves - Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

The pond at Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

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Map of Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Kurunegala to Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

Through : Madagalla Road
Distance : 44 km
Travel time : 1 hours.
Driving directions : see on google map

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Also See

Map of Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

Travel Directions to Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya

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