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Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya which lies in a remote village off Polpithigama is not a popular temple of regular pilgrims. Archeological value of this temple is extremely high but unfortunately it has not yet being taken under the relevant authorities to protect these items for the future generations.
The primary archeological value in this temple lies in the unique massive seven headed cobra (nai) carved in to a rock. It is said name of the temple is also derived due to this carving.
The it believed that this caving has been done during the period of king Mahasen (276-303) but some believes this carving to be a place of worship of the indigenous Cobra tribe (Naga Gothrika) going back beyond 6th century BC.
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Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya is mentioned in number of ancient historical documents such as Mahavamsa, Visuddhi Margaya and Manorathapuranaya . The ancient stupa of the temple has been built by the King Devanampiyatissa and the temple has been renovated by King Sirisangabo (251-253) according to the chronicles.
One of the rock inscription in the temple states that a person called Gotaimbara donated a drip ledged cave to an Arhat thero called Kujjitissa. A statue has been carved near this inscription is believed to be the statue of the said thero.
In addition to the above items, the temple also has two ancient Bahirawa Images carved out of Rock, Buddha image belong to the Polonnaruwa Period, and another smaller image belonging to the Kandyan Period, two rock inscriptions and 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.
Also See
Map of Naindanawa Rajamaha Viharaya
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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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 |
