Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya (නාමළුව සිංහගිරි රජමහා විහාරය)

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Ruins of a Tampita Viharaya at Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya

Tucked away near the Avukana Buddha, Namalu Sinhagiri Viharaya reveals echoes of an ancient monastery where kings once dwelled. Scattered ruins, lion-carved water spouts, and timeless stonework on the Kahalla mountain slopes whisper tales of devotion, craftsmanship, and royal grandeur lost to time.

The Namaluwa Sinhagiri Viharaya and its surrounding lands are located within the Kandegama and Vambatu Wewa Grama Niladhari Divisions, which belong to the Galnewa and Palagala Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Anuradhapura District.

Historical Background

The temple lies approximately 7 kilometers from the renowned Avukana Buddha Statue. There are several beliefs regarding the origin of this statue, one being that it was commissioned by King Dhatusena (459–477 CE), who also constructed the massive Kala Wewa Reservoir nearby. According to tradition, the king is believed to have resided at the Sinhagiri Viharaya during the carving of the Avukana statue (Wijesekera, 1962, p. 58).

Archaeological Remnants

Archaeological monuments are spread over an area of about 30 acres within the Kahalla – Pallekele Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the western slope of the Kahalla mountain range. Traces of ancient structures can be found both on the slope, where the modern temple has been constructed, and at the base of the range.

Within the premises of the present Viharaya, several notable features can be identified: the remains of a Tampita Viharaya (temple on stone pillars); a Buddha image house from the Kandyan period built upon the foundation of an earlier Anuradhapura-period shrine; and the remnants of five ancient Avasa Kutis (monastic residences), evidenced by stone pillar bases. The current Dagaba stands upon the site of an ancient one, and numerous scattered artifacts—such as moonstones, foundation stones, slabs, and latrine stones—attest to the presence of earlier constructions.

Water Management and Craftsmanship

At the foot of the mountain range lies a beautifully crafted stone water spout designed in the shape of a lion, which displays clear architectural characteristics of the Anuradhapura period. This spout makes use of a natural spring and is connected to a now-dilapidated stone-lined tank built for water collection. Additionally, portions of rubble-stone retaining walls can be observed along the mountain slope.

A urunal stone at Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya

Toilet stone at Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya

References

Dissanayake, S. B. (2024). 2016 වර්ෂය සඳහා පුරාවිද්‍යා අධ්‍යක්‍ෂක ජනරාල්ගේ පාලන වාර්තාව. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Wijesekera, N. (1962). Early Sinhalese Sculpture (1st ed.). M. D. Gunasena & Co Ltd.

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Driving Directions to Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Dambulla to Namaluwa Sinhagiri Rajamaha Viharaya

Through : Andiyagala
Distance : 31 km
Travel time : 45 mins
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