Wellawaya Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

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Conserved Stupa of - Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

The Wellawaya Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya, also known as Sellabawa Rajamaha Viharaya, is an ancient rock cave temple that bears witness to the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. These ruins are dispersed across a large, forest-covered hill near the village of Sellabawa, suggesting that the temple once formed part of an extensive and vibrant monastic complex in the region’s ancient past.

The principal remains visible within this archaeological reserve include a remarkably large stupa built atop a high square platform, several standing stone pillars from ancient buildings, and a variety of moonstones and balustrades (korawakgal) in differing states of preservation.

The site has undergone archaeological excavation and partial restoration, and it has now been adapted for use as an active temple. The fully restored stupa dome is positioned prominently at the entrance to the present-day temple. This stupa is constructed on a 2.6-meter-high square platform composed of brick and rubble. Each side of the platform measures 18.3 meters in length and features stairways on the southern and western flanks. At the base of each staircase are a plain moonstone and two guard stones—all unadorned. The accompanying balustrades are fashioned from brick.

The restored stupa dome has a circumference of 36.7 meters and rises approximately 1.5 meters high. The original Yupa Stone remains in place at the summit, while the rock-cut umbrella disk—measuring roughly 1 meter in diameter and 20 cm in thickness—lies broken on the northern side of the dome.

The structure identified as Building B is constructed on 16 stone pillars arranged in a 4 by 4 grid. However, the spacing between the rows is uneven, indicating that the layout may have been influenced by functional needs or the natural terrain. At the entrance, a simple guard stone and a balustrade (korawakgala) are partially visible, now mostly buried under the earth.

Map and the ruins of Building C at Sellaba

The structure identified as Building C is another unidentified ancient building within the site. It measures approximately 9 meters in width and 6 meters in length. The structure was originally supported by 12 stone pillars, of which 9 remain visible today.

Map and the ruins of Building D at Sellaba

The large ruined structure marked as Building D has been identified as the image house of the ancient temple. Measuring approximately 15 meters in width and 20 meters in depth, it would have once been a prominent feature of the monastic complex. Of the original 24 stone pillars that supported the structure, fragments of 11 are still visible today.

At the entrance, traditional architectural elements such as moonstones, guard stones, and stone balustrades (korawakgala) can be seen. Inside the building, a pedestal base with a large central cavity—likely used for anchoring a statue—and a standing Buddha statue, now fallen and fragmented, confirm the function of this structure as an image house in the ancient past.

Map and the ruins of Building E at Sellaba

The structure identified as Building E is another yet-to-be-identified ancient building within the site. Measuring approximately 7.5 meters in width and 7 meters in length, it was originally supported by 12 stone pillars, 10 of which are still visible today.

A partially buried entrance on the eastern side features five stone steps leading into the building. This entrance is flanked by two plain guard stones, indicating a modest yet formal architectural treatment.

Map and the ruins of Building E (Chapter House) at Sellaba — Map and the ruins of Building F (Chapter House) at Sellaba

The structure identified as the Chapter House measures approximately 21.5 meters in width and 11.9 meters in length. A 9.2-meter-long approach path, flanked by plain guard stones, leads to the main entrance on the western side. Additionally, there are three smaller entrances on the eastern side, though these lack accompanying guard stones.

A total of 28 stone pillars are arranged around the building, most of which still stand upright, reaching a height of about 2.5 meters. Unlike the roughly hewn pillars found in other structures at the site, the columns here are well-finished, reflecting a higher standard of craftsmanship.

Based on the architectural features and construction style, it has been confirmed that this building dates to the Polonnaruwa period (11th to 13th century), marking it as one of the more recent additions to the ancient complex.

To reach the ruins, take the Sellabawa Road from the Sellabawa Junction on the Wellawaya–Thanamalvila road. After traveling approximately one and a half kilometers, you will find a footpath through the forest running beside a water stream. Follow this path for about 500 meters until you reach a set of ancient steps that lead up to the maluwa, the central terrace where all the ruins are located.

The path towards ruins at Sellabawa Rajamaha Viharaya

Ancient granite steps leading to the ruins of Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

A life size rock carved Buddha Statue now lies fallen at Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

Remains of a ancient Sandakada Pahana ( moonstone) at Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

Ruins of an ancient building - Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

The new statue being built at the top of the hill at Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

A blank guardstone at Sellaba Rajamaha Viharaya

photo and information courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

References

Okamura, T., 2021. Ruins in and Around Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. 1st ed. Tokyo: NPO-SARERS – South Asian Ruins Exploration and Research Society.
Sumanasekara Banda, S. J. (1986). ඌවේ දායාද (1st ed.). Sarvodaya Vishwa Lekha.

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