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photo by : kithagama wimalarathana
Udubaddawa Shilapokkarani Purana Viharaya (Silapokkarani Purana Viharaya — සිලාපොක්ඛරණී පුරාණ විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple 16 km off Madampe and 7 km off Kuliyapitiya with a Tampita Viharaya belonging to the Kandyan era. To reach the temple from Madampe, travel 15 km on the Kuruegala road to reach Udubaddawa town. The access road to the temple can be found 1.5 km past the Undubaddawa and lies about 100 meters off this road.
A Tampita Viharaya is a building constructed on a wooden platform supported by several stone pillars, usually 3-4 feet high. Its roof is supported by a timber structure, and the walls are typically made of wattle and daub. Inside, the chamber walls are often adorned with paintings, primarily in the Kandyan style.
The Tampita Viharaya at Shilapokkarani Purana Viharaya is uniquely situated, built on a rock boulder with the image house’s center resting directly on the rock surface. A narrow circumambulatory path, enclosed by a half-height protective wall, surrounds the image house. This path is supported by 14 stone pillars that encircle the boulder. A small granite structure inscribed with 2452 BE (1908 CE) marks the year of its construction.
In the 1920s, with funding from the E. R. Wijewardene family, the chief monk, Dambavinne Dhammananda Thero, renovated the image house. The renowned muralist Soilius Mendis, known for his work at the Kelaniya temple, painted new murals in the inner chamber, covering the existing Kandyan-era artwork. (Chandrasekara & Silva, 2021)
The upper section of the wall is covered with carved wooden planks, designed to offer protection while still allowing sufficient light to enter. The roof is covered with flat clay tiles, characteristic of Kandyan-era architecture. A recently constructed Hewisi Mandapaya (drummer’s pavilion) stands in front of the Tampita Viharaya, which itself has undergone recent restoration.
References
- Chandrasekara, D. P., & Silva, K. D. (2021). The Ṭämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image- Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Udubaddawa Shilapokkarani Purana Tampita Viharaya
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Driving Directions to Udubaddawa Shilapokkarani Purana Tampita Viharaya
| Route from Madampe to Udubaddawa Shilapokkarani Purana Tampita Viharaya |
| Through : Dummalasooriya – Udubaddawa distance :16 km Travel time :30 mins Time to spend : 20-30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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