Sandagirigodella of Tissamaharama (සඳගිරිගොඩැල්ල)

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The Central Cultural Fund (CCF), initially established in 1991 in collaboration with UNESCO, began its work in the Rajarata region and later expanded to Kandy. In May 2000, the CCF extended its archaeological activities to the southern region of Ruhunu Rata, launching its first project at Ramba Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient monastery near Embilipitiya in the Walawe basin.

Following this, the CCF initiated conservation work at Sandagirigodella, situated roughly 1 km from the Tissamaharama Viharaya, near the ancient Sandagiri Vehera. This site, part of the broader Sandagiri Monastic Complex, contains the remains of two ancient structures.

Image House (Pilimage) and the Pillar Inscription

The main building, an image house dated to the 8th century AD, has been recently restored. At its center stands a beautifully carved 6-foot-tall Buddha statue, carved from a rock resembling marble. Though one hand is missing, the statue is otherwise well preserved and is believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE.

The building is entered from the north via a porch. A plain moonstone, finely carved guard stones, and a balustrade (korawak gala) are visible at the entrance. A unique feature of this structure is a carving of a standing elephant on the outer side of the balustrade—an unusual element in ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

In front of the image house is a large stone pillar inscription, now broken at the top and significantly weathered. According to the Department of Archaeology, the inscription refers to donations made by the sons of King Bhatikabhaya (20 BCE-9 CE) and King Vasabha (65-110 CE), dedicating tax revenues from the Duratisa and Abagamaka reservoirs and the Patigama paddy fields to sustain religious activities at the temple.

To the right of the image house is the Uposthaghara building of the Sandagiriya Monastery. The building has been built upon massive stone pillars, about 15 feet tall. Some of the pillars have been raised and restored. Work is still being carried out to restore the balance of fallen pillars.

Architectural Features and Artifacts

Among the artifacts unearthed at the site are Basal stones, Malasana/Asanaghara (seat relics), a portion of a pillar capital, remains of brick and tile structures, and an octagonal building nearby with a roof of flat tiles and intricately joined rafters using the Madol Kurupuwa technique—a hallmark of traditional Sri Lankan carpentry, also seen in the famed Embekke Devale near Kandy.

Two Bodhisattva statues from the site are now housed in a secure chamber within the Tissamaharama Vihara. The standing Buddha statue discovered at Sandagirigodella will also be moved there for safekeeping.

Octagonal Pillar Inscription at Sandagirigodella

About the image house at at Sandagirigodella

A granite basin for washing feet before entering the image house at Sandagirigodella

The restored guardstone at the image house at Sandagirigodella

The restored balustrade at the image house at Sandagirigodella

The finely carved Buddha statue at the image house at Sandagirigodella

A massive stone pillar being raised at the Uposthaghara building being conserved at Sandagirigodella

Ruins of the Uposthaghara building being conserved at Sandagirigodella

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Map of Sandagirigodella of Tissamaharama

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Travel Directions to Sandagirigodella of Tissamaharama

Route from Colombo to Sandagirigodella	Route from Weerawila Junction to Sandagirigodella
Through : Southern Expressway – Weerawila Distance : 260 km Travel time : 3.5 hours Driving directions : see on Google map	Through : Debarawewa – Tissamaharama Distance : 10 km Travel time : 10 minutes Driving directions : see on google map

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