Rathganga Punchi Dambadiva - Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

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Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya = Punchi Dambadiva

Nestled in the Sabaragamuwa hills, “Punchi Dambadiva” is a unique temple complex featuring life-sized replicas of India’s sacred Buddhist sites like Buddhagaya and Lumbini. Founded by Ven. Girimale Chandraloka, it provides a spiritual alternative for pilgrims, showcasing 80 Arahant statues and 24 Buddha figures under one roof.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, is located in present-day Nepal, though in ancient times the region was known as Dambadiva. In the 6th century BCE, it was a modest pastoral settlement situated along the Himalayan foothills.

Throughout the year, devotees from Sri Lanka undertake pilgrimages to Dambadiva, visiting the sacred sites associated with the life of Buddha before and after his enlightenment.

Location of Punchi Dambadiva

Punchi Dambadiva, formally known as Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya, is situated along the Colombo–Ratnapura–Pelmadulla–Embilipitiya main road, near the Nonagama Junction, approximately 22 km (about 13.7 miles) from Ratnapura. From this junction, access is via a narrow, winding, metalled road extending about 12 km (approximately 7.5 miles) into the hills.

This temple complex lies within the Sabaragamuwa Province, with distant views of the sacred peak of Sri Pada, one of the most revered mountains on the island.

Natural Setting

The surrounding landscape is characterized by verdant valleys covered with tea, rubber, cocoa, and coffee plantations. These cultivated lands are interwoven with dense forest and terraced paddy fields, set against forested hills. Streams wind through the terrain, cascading into rocky pools, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

Amid this striking scenery, Punchi Dambadiva emerges from a hillock, comprising an expansive complex of impressive structures spread across the landscape. The site is further enhanced by the gently flowing Rath Ganga, which meanders alongside the temple.

Founder and Vision

The temple was founded by Girimale Chandraloka Thera, who serves as its Viharadhipathi. A deeply devoted monk, he envisioned the creation of a sacred space that would replicate the principal pilgrimage sites of ancient Dambadiva.

His primary objective was to faithfully reproduce these revered locations—associated with the life of the Buddha—within Sri Lanka itself. This initiative was also intended to provide an alternative for devotees who were unable to travel to India due to financial constraints.

Through his efforts, replicas of sites such as Buddhagaya, Lumbini, Kusinara, and Jethawanaramaya were established within the complex. According to the Thera, this vision was realized through the blessings of the Triple Gem.

Early Development

The realization of this ambitious project was made possible through the dedicated support of local devotees, villagers, and benefactors. A key contributor was a devout Buddhist, Mr. Perera from Panadura, who funded the construction of a modest residence for the Thera.

On 14 April 1981, at 21:17 hours, Girimale Chandraloka Thera took residence in this simple, tile-roofed mud dwelling, accompanied by his dayakas and well-wishers. Despite living under austere conditions, he remained committed to transforming his vision into reality.

Construction and Expansion

With steady financial contributions from devotees, the first major structure—the Dharmasala Mandiraya—was constructed. Its foundation stone was laid on 3 June 1982, and the building was completed within a relatively short period.

Subsequently, the complex expanded steadily, incorporating structures modeled on significant Buddhist sites in Dambadiva, including Buddhagaya, Jethawanaramaya, Kusinara, and Lumbini.

Suvisi Vivarana Vihara Mandiraya

One of the most remarkable constructions within the complex is the Suvisi Vivarana Vihara Mandiraya. This structure commemorates a great Buddhist assembly said to have taken place at Jethawanaramaya in Dambadiva, where eighty arahants gathered.

The event has been artistically recreated using clay, lime plaster, and detailed statuary, accompanied by murals illustrating scenes from the Jataka Tales, depicting the lives of the Bodhisatta and the Buddha.

The shrine houses 24 Buddha statues (Suvisi) along with 80 additional statues, all enshrined under a single roof. This unique ensemble is considered unparalleled not only in Sri Lanka but globally.

The construction of this monumental structure took over two years and was ceremonially opened on 25 June 1986 by J. R. Jayewardene.

Later Developments

Another major building, the Dharmamandira, had its foundation stone laid on 15 January 1987 and was inaugurated on 21 April 1990 by Ranasinghe Premadasa.

This temple was later named in honor of Venerable Thudawe Thera, the teacher of Girimale Chandraloka Thera, commemorating his influence and guidance.

Replica of buddhagaya - Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

Replica of Kusinara - Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Punchi Dambadiva – Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Punchi Dambadiva – Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya

Through : Horana – Ratnapura – Wewalwatte Road – Malwela – Carney Road – Gilimale –
Distance : 108 km
Travel time : 3 hours.
Driving directions : see on Google Maps.