Korasagalla Koranaka Sandagala Rajamaha Viharaya (කොරසගල්ල කොරණක සඳගල රජමහා විහාරය)

Korasagalla is an ancient village on the Thalawa road few kilometers away from Kakirawa. History of the Koranaka Sandagala Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya in  Korasagalla is believed to go back as far as the reign of King Kawanthissa (around 205–161 BC). It is also said that when a cobra bit the king Dutugemunu (161-131 BC), he was treated by snake venom specialists from the Korasagalla and ayurvedic physicians from this lineage still live in this village.

This village temple is somewhat neglected but hides an ancient Tampita Viharaya from the Kandyan Era. According to legend, this temple was the residence of an Arhath called  “Korana” in ancient times and the temple has been named after him.

Tampita Viharaya (Temple on Pillars) is a structure built on a wooden platform which rests on a number of stone stumps usually 3-4 feet tall. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub and the inner walls are generally covered with frescoes drawn mainly in Kandyan style.

This Tampita Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological monument through the gazette published on  6th  June 2008 and describes the site as follows ;

“The Tampita Vihare in the Thoranaka Sandagala Vihare premises situated in the Grama Niladhari Division Korassagalle, in Kekirawa Divisional Secretary’s Division in Anuradhapura District, North-Western Province.”

To reach the temple from Dambulla, travel 17km from Dambulla towards Kekirawa to reach the Korasagalla Junction in Thibbotuwewa and take the by lane to the right. The temple lies 1.2 km down this road.

Travelling 200 meters past this temple lies the ancient Korasagalla Wewa (reservoir) as old as the village. Unfortunately, this large reservoir was drained some years ago and about 600 acres of paddy fields have been abandoned which depended on water from this reservoir.

Travelling along the now-neglected footpath along the edge of the reservoir will bring you a well preserved ancient Bisokotuwa of the Korasagalla Wewa. An Archaeology board at the end of the Korasagalla Road direct you to this site.

Alternate names : Ancient Sandagala Tampita Viharaya

References

• Abeywardana, M.Y. (2008) “The Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188) ,” The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 1553, p. 534.

Also See

• Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Korasagalla Koranaka Sandagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Travelling directions to Korasagalla Koranaka Sandagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Travel directions from Dambulla to Korasagalla Koranaka Sandagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Distance : 18  km Travel time : 25 mins Time to spend : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map