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photograph by : Mihira Bandara
In ancient times, people traveled from place to place on foot or by cart. Pilgrimage or trade journeys were measured in days, not in kilometers or hours as they are now. Therefore there was a need to places to spend the nights safely from wild animals and weather which gave to birth to Ambalama buildings at various trade and pilgrimage routes. These Ambalama’s were used to cook small meals by travelers and to spend the night safely. In selection of the location of the Ambalama the place was chosen where there are facilities such as fresh water for a traveller.
At the same time, this Ambalama was also important as a gathering place for the people of that village. Often Ambalams were built under royal patronage or patronage of local nobles. Therefore, the size of these ambalams and artworks changed according to the wealth of the people who sponsored them.
Mawanella Molligoda Pinkumbura Ambalama is a small square stone Ambalama. This is known as Devatakumbure Ambalama and Heenatipana Ambalama. Standing in the midst of a lush paddy field, this stone-built Ambalam is a beautiful sight.
This Ambalama is built on a stone base about 2½ feet high. Large well-cut stone blocks have been used for this. On top of it, 4 stone pillars with rough carvings have been mounted. The upper and lower parts of these stones pillars are square and the middle section is octogonal shape. The top of the pillar is decorated with a wooden Pekada.
The roof is supported on 4 wooden beams placed on these stone pillars. The roof has four sides. At the top, the slope is increased. The timber beams of the roof is joined at the Keni Madala at the center and a clay pinnacle is placed at the top to protect the timber from rain water.
There is no ledge to sleep here. A rectangular part of the ground in Ambalam Madhya has been raised a few inches. This ambalama may have been built as a resting place and to provide shade to the paddy farmers and for the villagers to gather in the evening.
In this Ambalame, one of the stone pillars records the construction of Ambalame in Sinhala script.
“බු.ව. 2490
මෙය හීනටිපන U. B. හඳකුඹුරේ විසින් කරවා 25.7.47 වැනි දින නිමවන ලදී “
(“B.E. 2490
This was built by by Heenatipana U. B. Handakumbure and completed on 25.7.47 “)
Accordingly, this Ambalam was built in 1947 with the support of a private philanthropist. Today, the roof has collapsed. But this is not an archeological building as it is not complete for 100 years. Therefore, Pinkumbure Ambalama, which gave shade to may thousands for over 70 years is crumbling today without anyone’s support to maintain it.
Molligoda Walawwa is also located near this Ambalama. But it is said that the current owner does not allow outsiders to visit it.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Molligoda Pinkumbura Ambalama
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Travelling Directions to Molligoda Pinkumbura Ambalama
| From Mawanaella (Hingula) to Bowala Ratu Ambalama |
| Via : Along Sri Dharmarathana Mawatha Total distance: 3 km Duration : 10 minutes Time to spend: about 15-30 minutes Driving Directions: View on Google Maps |
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