Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya

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The stupa and the terrace under restoration at Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya

Steeped in legend, the ancient Anamaduwa Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya was built by King Dutugemunu’s giant warrior, Nandimithra. Once featuring a unique nonagon stupa, the site now yields remarkable treasures, including a reconstructed 9th-century hollow-cast copper Buddha.

Nandimithra Rajamaha Viharaya (also known as Nandimithra Nawa Wangu Rajamaha Viharaya) is an ancient temple located in Pallama, in Anamaduwa, near Chilaw. The temple is traditionally believed to have been built by Nandimithra, one of the ten warriors of King Dutugemunu (161–137 BCE), who ruled from Anuradhapura. Among these ten warriors, Nandimithra is particularly notable because he was the nephew of Mitta, a warrior who served in the army of Elara.

Structure and Layout

Although the temple complex appears to have originally covered a vast area, it is now confined to a much smaller extent of land. The stupa, once a prominent feature, has deteriorated into an earthen mound. According to tradition, construction of this stupa began one day after the commencement of the Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura.

The stupa terrace is said to have been constructed in the form of a nonagon, featuring nine sides. These nine edges are believed to have been created by Nandimithra in commemoration of the nine other generals of King Dutugemunu. Today, this terrace has largely disappeared, with only fragments of its foundation visible in a few locations.

Architectural Remains and Folklore

Near the stupa lies a cluster of large granite pillars, which once supported an ancient structure. Based on the design of the pillar tops, it is believed that this building may have been two stories in height. On the ground nearby, there is also a granite slab which, according to local folklore, was dropped by Nandimithra upon hearing of the death of King Dutugemunu.

Archaeological Discoveries

In recent years, several ancient artifacts have been discovered in and around the temple premises.

In 2001, a significant discovery was made when a farmer in Pallama unearthed an ancient copper statue while digging a pit for planting a coconut tree on his land. This land was situated close to Nandimithra Viharaya. The statue measures 165 cm (5 feet 5 inches) in height. It depicts a figure with a robe closely draped around the body, leaving the left shoulder bare.

This finding is of considerable historical importance, as it represents the tallest statue discovered in Sri Lanka that was created using ancient hollow casting technology.

Artistic Features and Current Location

The statue is dated to the period between the 9th and 11th centuries. Its right hand is positioned in the Kataka Hasta Mudra, while the left hand displays the Vitarka Mudra.

When first discovered, the statue had been broken into several fragments. It has since been carefully reconstructed and is now exhibited in the entrance lobby of the Colombo National Museum.

Pallama Statue on display at the National Museum, Colombo

Copper statue unearthed near the Nandimithra Nawavangu Raja Maha Viharaya

Excavations and Findings in 2010

In 2010, during excavations carried out to lay the foundation for a new building within the temple premises, the ruins of an ancient structure were uncovered. The Chief Incumbent, the Venerable Pothuthukkulame Deerananada Thera, suggested that the discovered row of granite steps and the moonstone date back to the Anuradhapura period.

The moonstone measured approximately 1.83 m (6 ft) in length, while the row of steps was about 2.44 m (8 ft) wide. Among the artifacts found at the site was a granite vessel, which was likely used for grinding medicinal herbs.

Discoveries in 2012

In 2012, several agricultural tools believed to date back to the era of King Dutugemunu were uncovered beneath the bed of a dried-up tank in Pallama. This tank is also thought to have been constructed by the warrior Nandimithra.

The recovered items included a mammoty, several axes, and iron nails. These objects were discovered by villagers who were digging the dried tank in search of water during a period of drought.

Ruins of an ancient building at Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya

Remains of the ancient stupa at Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya

Ruins of Nandimithra Nawawangu Rajamaha Viharaya

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