The History of Nedun Raja Maha Viharaya (Nadun Raja Maha Viharaya) go back to the era of King Rajasinghe I of Sitawaka Kingdom (1581 – 1591).The temple houses a long pair of tusks which is said to be the longest in Asia
On the 3rd visit to Sri Lanka, the Buddha visited the mountain top of Sri Pada ( Adams Peak) on invitation of Deity Saman and left his footprint at the very top.
Standing as the spiritual heart of Ratnapura, the Maha Saman Devalaya is dedicated to the guardian deity Saman, protector of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Blending history, devotion, and vibrant traditions, the shrine draws thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during its grand annual perahera—a festival of color, drumming, and dance that keeps centuries-old customs alive.
Nestled in the Sabaragamuwa hills, “Punchi Dambadiva” is a unique temple complex featuring life-sized replicas of India’s sacred Buddhist sites like Buddhagaya and Lumbini. Founded by Ven. Girimale Chandraloka, it provides a spiritual alternative for pilgrims, showcasing 80 Arahant statues and 24 Buddha figures under one roof.
The Tampita vihara of the Pelmadulla Rajamaha Vihara ( Pelmadulla Rankot Rajamaha Vihara) is erected on 16 stone pillars is believed to be over 400 years.
Maniyangama Raja Maha Viharaya or the Gala Yata Viharaya is a delightful cave temple attributed to King Valagamba of the 1st century BC. The temple has been renovated by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781 AD ) of Kandyan Kingdom.
Maragala Gallenagoda Len Viharaya cave is of medium size – being 20 feet long, 50 feet high and 40 feet broad having well chiselled drip ledges on the apex of these cave shelter.
Maduwanwela Mudalinalage Aramaya is the Tampita Viharaya built by the Maduwanwela Maha Dissawe during the King Wimala Dharmasuriya II who ruled in the 17th century,
Whom we met at the Kottimbulwala Rajamaha Viharaya in the suburbs of Balangoda informed us of an interesting old temple called Lendora Raja Maha Viharaya in the close vicinity of Belimalliyadda.
The history of the Hollombuwa Sthreepura Cave Temple goes back to the days of King Walagamba in the the Anuradhapura period. The cave is said to have provided shelter to 500 queens. Hence its alternative name: Sthreepura. According to local tradition, the perennial water pond was the water source used by the queens for bathing and drinking.
Next coming to the tank called Ehelapola Wewa which is believed to have been built by Ehelapola Dissawe, atop a mountain, is another part of the chronicle of this part of Sabaragamuwa ‘ reminiscent of Ehelapola Dissawe being a tank builder himself. The local villagers around there, said there had been a spring that never went dry, even in the dryest weather, atop this very mountain overlooking the main highway off Batugedara
A important place of worship for all Buddhists of Sri Lanka as the sacred tooth relic of Buddha was protected inside this temple from the Portuguese for over 40 years.
The ruins of the Sitawaka Fort and the palace of King Rajasinghe 1 can be seen by the side of the Avissawella – Panawala road — this being the same route to the Maniyangama Raja Maha Viharaya.
Ratnapura Portuguese Fort lies on the grounds of the Maha Saman Devalaya which was destroyed by the Portuguese around 1618-20. This fort was destroyed By King Rajasinghe II (1635 – 1687) of Kandyan Kingdom
On the road stretch between Ratnapura and Balangoda somewhere in Lellopitiya a sign board on your left hand side will point the turn off to the Budulena Rajamaha Viharaya. The temple is perched at the top of a mountain, surrounded by mountains. The estate road hugging the sides of the mountain curved and curled ascending higher and higher towbrds it.
Our destination was the Budugala Monastery Ruins in Kalthota. After a while we stopped at an Archaeological Department sign board, and parking the vehicle on the side of the narrow road hardly enough for two vehicles to pass, we crossed the canal which by now had succumbed to a narrow deep drain.
The Beligala Rajamaha Viharaya is believed to be another achievement of King Vatta Gamini Abaya (aka King Walagamba) during the period of 103 BC to 89 BC.
The Batathota Lena (Batatotalena) Cave Temple, once neglected and hidden within dense jungle, has grown into a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after being identified as a possible location of the mysterious Diva Guhava, one of the sixteen sacred places hallowed by Buddha (solosmahasthana) where the Buddha is believed to have stayed after visiting Sri Pada Mountain.
