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Photo courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Tempitiya is an ancient farming village located in the Mahaoya area. The village developed around the Empitiya Reservoir and the Tempitiya Rajamaha Viharaya, which stands opposite the reservoir. Both the reservoir and the temple are believed to have been built during the reign of King Saddhatissa (137–119 BCE) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, who served as the regional ruler of the Digamadulla region under the reign of his elder brother, King Dutugemunu (161–137 BCE).
Once forgotten and overtaken by the jungle, the Tempitiya Rajamaha Viharaya was brought back to life in the 1920s by Bogaha Aruwe Seelarathne Thero. Today, visitors can explore a fascinating array of ruins believed to date back to the time of King Saddhatissa. Among the many discoveries at the site, a particularly rare highlight is a stone carving of a seven-hooded cobra, flanked by traditional Bahirawa guardian figures. The temple grounds are also dotted with ancient granite Buddha statues, intricately carved Korawak Gal (balustrades), Moonstones, and stone pillars—silent reminders of a once-flourishing vihara complex.
The ruins of the Tempitiya Rajamaha Viharaya were declared as a protected archaeological site by the Government in the Gazette issued on 10th October 2014, and describes the location as follows ;
“Weheragoda site of ruins with four hillocks of ancient Chaityas, places containing buildings with stone pillars and other archaeological remains belonging to Weheregoda Kudalakatuwa village (Latitude 07º 60088′ N and longitude 081º 41850′ E) situated in the Grama Niladhari Division, Tempitaiya in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Mahaoya in Ampara District in Eastern Province.”
Also See
Map of Mahaoya Tempitiya Rajamaha 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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Travel Directions to Mahaoya Tempitiya Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Mahaoya to Tempitiya Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Through : Mahaoya – Chenkaladi Road Distance :13 km Travel time : 20 mins Time to spent : 30-45 mins Driving directions : see on Google map |