Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya (නාවින්න පුරාණ ටැම්පිට විහාරය)

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Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple with a Tampita Viharaya belonging to the Kandyan era. The temple lies about 4.5 km from Wariyapola and 24 km from Kuruanegala. To reach the temple from Kuruanegala, travel up to Wariyapola and take the Chilaw road for 1.3 km. Take the Nawinna road which lies in front of Sri Sumangala National School and travel for 3 km to reach the temple.

A Tampita Viharaya is a building constructed on a wooden platform supported by several stone pillars, usually 3-4 feet high. Its roof is supported by a timber structure, and the walls are typically made of wattle and daub. Inside, the chamber walls are often adorned with paintings, primarily in the Kandyan style.

The Tampita Viharaya at Nawinna Purana Viharaya is constructed on 24 granite pillars, with a decorated wooden pillar positioned directly beneath the Buddha image, likely to support the weight of the statue. The Circumambulating Path around the inner chamber lacks a railing, but the wooden pillars surrounding the chamber are intricately carved, with each pillar showcasing a unique design.

Notably, one of the pekaḍa (the decorative capitals of the columns) features a carving of a human face—a rare motif in pekaḍa designs. A similar example of this distinctive design can also be found at the Bogoda Tampita Viharaya (see the photo album).

The Tampita Viharaya at Nawinna Purana Viharaya was gazetted as a protected archaeological monument and is described as follows ;

“The Tampita vihare, Bhikku dwellings and ancient parapets of Nawinna ancient vihare in the Grama Niladhari Division No. 135-Malwana, in Wariyapola Divisional Secretary’s Division in Kurunegala District, North-Western Province.”

References

Abeywardana, M.Y. (2008) “The Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188) ,” The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 1553, p. 531.

Also See

Map of the Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya

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Driving Directions to Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya

Route from Kurunegala to Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya

Though : Kurunegala – Kandy road
distance : 8.5 km
Travel time :20 mins
Time to spend : 20-30 mins
Driving directions : see on google map

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References

Also See

Map of the Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya

Driving Directions to Nawinna Purana Tampita Viharaya

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