Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya | AmazingLanka.com

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

The Padeniya Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic Kurunegala sanctuary featuring exceptional Kandyan woodcarvings and a rare wattle-and-daub Pothgul. Founded by Devānampiya Tissa, the temple’s Vihara Geya boasts 28 intricate pillars and a unique lion frieze, blending ancient traditions with 18th-century architectural refinements.

Padeniya Rajamaha Viharaya, located in the Kurunegala District of the North Western Province, stands as a cultural landmark reflecting Sri Lankan history from the ancient Anuradhapura period through to the Kandyan era. Situated approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northwest of Kurunegala, at a strategic junction of the A10 and A28 highways, the temple represents a rare example of a lowland sanctuary that has preserved refined Kandyan architectural traditions, particularly its exceptional woodcarving heritage.

Historical Origins and Folklore

According to monastic belief, the temple was founded by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE. He is believed to have established a padhanaghara (meditation hall) and planted a Bodhi sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

The site is also closely associated with the folklore of the Dasa Maha Yodayas (Ten Giant Warriors). Tradition holds that Theraputthabhaya, a renowned warrior who served under King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, renounced his military life following the unification of the island and later settled at Padeniya as a Buddhist monk.

Architecture and Design

The architectural focal points of the complex are the Vihara Geya (Image House) and the Pothgula (Library), both representing a high point of medieval craftsmanship adapted to a lowland setting.

Unlike the monumental stone constructions of the northern regions, the image house at Padeniya is built upon an uneven rock surface. The structure features a gabled roof supported by 28 finely carved wooden pillars, arranged in three concentric rows. The outermost row forms a gallery used for pradakshina (ritual circumambulation).

Woodcarving Tradition

The pillars are characterized by octagonal shafts interspersed with cubic projections that serve as surfaces for elaborate carvings. These include traditional motifs such as palapethi (lotus petals) and liyawela (flowing vine patterns), alongside depictions of mythical beings and scenes from everyday life, including dancers, musicians, and soldiers. These carvings are considered among the finest examples in the lowlands, rivalled only by the secular Panavitiya Ambalama.

Lion Frieze

A distinctive architectural feature of the image house is the continuous frieze of lion sculptures running beneath the eaves. These lions exhibit a unique stylistic form within Sri Lankan temple art, and some scholars suggest possible Chinese artistic influence due to their resemblance to East Asian guardian lion figures.

Interior Arrangement

The interior consists of a passageway oriented to the south, leading into a nearly square sanctum. The central chamber enshrines a large seated Buddha image, partially concealed behind a translucent curtain. Along the side walls are three standing Buddha statues on each side and images of the deities Vishnu and Natha.

The Pothgul and Preaching Hall

Padeniya is best known for its Pothgul (monastic library), a rare surviving structure with traditional wattle-and-daub walls. This building was specifically designed to preserve delicate ola leaf manuscripts, including texts such as the Abhidhamma Pitaka and various commentaries. The presence of a preserved writing slate used for teaching children further highlights the temple’s historical role as a pirivena (monastic educational institution).

The Dharma Sala (preaching hall) is an open pavilion influenced by colonial architectural styles, designed to enhance ventilation in the tropical climate. It features an elaborately carved wooden pulpit used for delivering sermons, particularly on full-moon Poya days.

Colonial Period and Military Use

Following the decline of the northern capitals, Padeniya emerged as a principal religious center for the Sath Korale (Seven Counties) region during the Kandyan period.

During the early phase of British rule, the temple was known as Galapita Vihare. Its elevated and relatively isolated position led to its temporary use as a military outpost. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, who was the Commandant of the Seven Korales. In the early days of the British occupation of the interior of the island, it was recorded that troops were stationed there. However, due to the prevalence of malaria in the surrounding marshlands, the site was eventually returned to the monastic community (Casie Chitty, 1834; Pridham, 1849; Modder, 1896).

Modder (1896) also notes that Migastenna Adigar built a fort here and ruled with severity, while the head priest would show visitors a set of stone pillars used by Migastenna Adigar to restrain and lash individuals.

Restoration and Conservation

The present form of Padeniya Rajamaha Viharaya largely reflects an 18th-century revival during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasingha, with Migastenne Adigar overseeing the construction of key structures such as the image house and preaching hall. (Cooray, 2007)

A major restoration initiative began in 1824 following a request made by the monastic community to the British administration. Venerable Pahamune Devamitta became the first incumbent of this restored phase (Cooray, 2007). In the late 20th century, the Department of Archaeology undertook systematic conservation work between 1971 and 1996.

Today, Padeniya Rajamaha Viharaya is a designated archaeological protected monument and continues to function as an active monastery and educational center for novice monks.

References

Casie Chitty, S. (1834). The Ceylon Gazetteer: Containing an Accurate Account of the Districts, Provinces, Cities, Towns, Principle Villages, Habours, Rivers, Lakes & Etc. Of the Island of Ceylon. Cotta Church Mission Press.
Cooray, N. (Comp.). (2007, August 25). Quarterly Tours – No. 6. The National Trust Sri Lanka.
De Silva, R. H. (1977). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the years 1970-77. Department of Archaeology.
Deraniyagala, S. U. (1992). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the year 1992. Department of Archaeology.
Deraniyagala, S. U. (1994). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the year 1994. Department of Archaeology.
Deraniyagala, S. U. (1995). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the year 1995. Department of Archaeology.
Deraniyagala, S. U. (1996). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the year 1996. Department of Archaeology.
Modder, F. (1896). Kraals in the Kurunegala District. The Monthly Literary Register and Notes and Queries for Ceylon, IV (new series)(9), 193–197.
Pridham, C. (1849). An Historical, Political And Statistical Account Of Ceylon: Vol. II–II (1st ed.). T and W Boone.

Also See

Map of Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

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

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Travel Directions to Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya	Route from Kurunegala to Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Through : Kelaniya – Ambepussa – Kurunegala Distance : 121 km Travel time : 3.5 hours. Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Bulanawewa Distance :85 km Travel time : 1.5 minutes. Driving directions : see on google map