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Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya (පෙතන්මළු රජමහා විහාරය)

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Kandyan Era Image House of Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the North Western Province, Pethanmalu Raja Maha Viharaya offers a captivating blend of ancient history and natural beauty. Located approximately 4.5 kilometres from Galgamuwa town, this Buddhist temple is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Pethanmalu Raja Maha Vihara, one of the ancient and significant temples in the Wanni Hatpattuwa region, immediately draws attention due to the layout of its buildings. The stupa, the Bodhi tree, and the image house are located on three terraces connected by flights of stone steps. It is believed that the name ‘Pethanmaluwa’ comes from this arrangement of terraces.

This Buddhist site, originally built during the Anuradhapura era, underwent renovations during the Kandyan period after a period of decline. As a result, the temple features architectural elements from both eras. Stone pillars, flights of steps, guard stones, sculpted stones, pedestals, and moonstones are among the distinctive features of Anuradhapura era.

The ancient preaching hall, which had fallen into disrepair, has been restored under the leadership of the chief monk. However, the steps and guard stones leading to it are still from the Anuradhapura era. The large Dhamma hall, on the other hand, was built between 1942 and 1947 with government support.

From the temple’s main grounds, one can ascend the steps to reach the stupa terrace. The old stupa has now been renovated to a modern form, but the ancient Yupa Kanuwa (stone pillar) still stands atop the terrace. The new Image House is also located on this terrace.

By climbing another flight of steps, one can reach the Bodhi tree terrace. The Bodhi tree has been newly planted and is surrounded by an enclosure. A few rock-cut caves can also be seen on this terrace.

Descending another flight of steps, one can enter the ancient cave temple, which has been used as an image house. The outer porch has been restored with clay and the walls and pillars have been plastered with lime, maintaining its ancient appearance.

Inside the image house, one can observe paintings and statues from the Kandyan period. Notable features include seated and standing Buddha statues with halos and rays, a Makara Thorana (dragon arch), and images of Sumana Saman and Vishnu gods.

The cave walls also depict scenes of Mara’s defeat. A striking feature is the image of a yaksha (demon) carrying an old musket among the army of Mara holding bows, arrows, swords, and spears. This is an excellent example of how the arrival of Western nations influenced Kandyan-era art.

Among the other paintings in the cave temple are scenes of the Buddha’s parinirvana, including the moment when untimely sal flowers fall upon the Buddha’s body and the instant when flames erupt on the funeral pyre after the venerable Mahakassapa venerates the Buddha’s body. Additionally, instead of the usual twin peacocks seen in many temples, here one can find a triplet peacock motif. Some of these paintings are in a state that requires conservation.

Another remarkable feature of the temple grounds is a seven-foot-tall seated stone Buddha statue. Since some parts of it had broken off when discovered, they have been repaired with cement. The broken stone feet and pedestal have been placed separately nearby.

There is also a small inscribed stone slab with symbolic markings engraved on a rock surface in the temple grounds, which appears to have been written in post-Brahmi script. Reading it is somewhat challenging. Perhaps a scholar may have deciphered it before.

Translated to English from an article by Anuranga Herath

Yupa Kanuwa of the stupa belonging to the Anuradhapura era at Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

Statue of Buddha bonging to the Anuradhapura era at Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

A painting of Mara Yuddaya with the army of Mara holding a rifle at Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

An ancient dripledge cave at Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

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Map of Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

From Kandy to Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

Via : Medamahanuwara
Distance : 45 km
Travel time : 1.30 hours
Time to Spend : about 30 minutes
Driving directions : see on Googl e Map

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Yoda Wewa at Tissamaharama (තිස්සමහාරාම යෝධ වැව)
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Tissamaharama Tissa Wewa: The First Oblique Dam in the World (තිස්සමහාරාම තිස්ස වැව)
The Tissa Wewa is one of the largest ancient irrigation tanks constructed the 3rd Century is considered the first Oblique Dam in the world […]

Also See

Map of Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

Travel Directions to Pethanmalu Rajamaha Viharaya

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