Henanigala Raja Maha Viharaya - Dehiattakandiya

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Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya — Rock carved Buddha Statue

Henanigala Raja Maha Viharaya, also known as Senanigala Raja Maha Viharaya, is believed to be one of the 64 temples built by King Kawanthissa in the 3rd century BCE. Its strategic position made it an ideal military base for Prince Dutugemunu, who assembled his forces here in the final preparation for the onslaught to reclaim the Anuradhapura Kingdom from the South Indian ruler King Elara (205-161 BCE). This association is thought to have given the site its name—Henanigala, meaning “Rock of the Armed Forces” (Sena-nigala).

Over time, the site was abandoned, likely due to population shifts southward, and it eventually faded into obscurity. It was rediscovered only in recent decades during the Mahaweli development project that repopulated the Dehiattakandiya area. Archaeologists soon uncovered a vast complex, long buried beneath vegetation and time.

Archaeological Significance and Layout

Today, the temple complex spans 40 acres and is protected as an archaeological reserve. The main shrine area, or Uda Maluwa, is located atop a rocky plateau covering about 2 acres, surrounded by a robust dry stone wall, which in places still rises 25 to 30 feet high.

The ruins on the plateau include:

A stupa (chaitya)
A shrine room (Budumandira)
A Bodhighara (Bodhi tree shrine)
A preaching hall (Dharma Shalawa)
A gathering hall (Sannipatha Shalawa)

Together, these form a Panchawasa complex, a complete monastic unit. According to tradition, only 40 Panchawasa temples once existed in ancient Sri Lanka. Of these, only two complete examples survive today: Henanigala and Menikdena Raja Maha Viharaya. The gathering hall at Henanigala is therefore of exceptional significance.

Notable Features

The approach to the Uda Maluwa (upper terrace) involves a gentle climb up a rocky incline. At the entrance stands a 5-foot-tall standing Buddha statue hewn from solid stone. Nearby, on the left, is the Kalu Diya Pokuna, a 9-foot-deep artificial pond, and adjacent to the rock surface is a carving of a cobra, possibly of ritual or protective significance.

Over 24 ancient Brahmi inscriptions have been discovered across the site, and a 95-foot-long drip-ledge cave, likely used as a monks’ shelter or meditation retreat, has recently been identified.

Unique Architectural Highlights

Among the most remarkable features of Henanigala are the pair of towering balustrades (korawak gal) flanking the entrance to the image house. Decorated with makara (mythical dragon) motifs, each balustrade rises nearly 5 feet high, making them arguably the tallest of their kind found in Sri Lanka.

A moonstone (sandakada pahana) at the entrance—dated to the early Anuradhapura period—features only a row of elephants on the outermost ring, a stylistic hallmark of that era. Though now damaged and in fragments, it remains a key artifact illustrating the evolution of Sri Lankan stone art.

Treasure Hunters

Despite its archaeological value, Henanigala has not been spared from looting and destruction. Treasure hunters have damaged many of the statues, stupas, and structures, plundering priceless items that once enriched the temple. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but much has already been lost.

Rock carved Buddha Statue - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Sannipatha Shalawa ( Gathering Hall) - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Ancient Moonstone at the entrance to the image house - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

A recovered pillar inscription - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Bodhi Maluwa - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

The Protective Wall surrounding the Uda Maluwa - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Cobra Caving at the Kalu Diya Pokuna - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Entrance to the image house - Senanigala (Henanigala) Raja Maha Vihara - Dehiattakandiya

Photos curtsey of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

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Travel Directions to Henanigala Raja Maha Viharaya

The Vihara can be reached on Mahiyangana Dehiaththakandiya Road and from New Medagama town (near the 28th km post) by turning right and proceeding 4km. From there the picturesque Raja Maha Vihara on a rocky surface can be seen from a distance.

Route from Mahiyangana to Henanigala Raja Maha Viharaya

Through : Mahiyangana
Distance : 34 km
Travel time : 40 minutes.
Driving directions : see on google map