Thalgaspitiya Deniyathanna Purana Tampita Viharaya

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Tampita Viharaya of the Thalgaspitiya Deniyathanna Viharaya

Thalgaspitiya Deniyathanna Viharaya is a protected Kandyan-era monument in Kegalle, with a unique Tampita Viharaya. Elevated on twenty granite pillars, this timber-framed image house features rare outward-facing Makara Torana dragons. Royal patronage since 1797 underscores its historical significance, blending spiritual tradition with distinct, whimsical artistic craftsmanship.

At the ancient Deniyathanna Viharaya in Thalgaspitiya, in the Kegalle District, stands a well-preserved Tampita Viharaya dating to the Kandyan period.

A Tampita Viharaya is a distinctive architectural form in Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition. It is constructed on a raised wooden platform supported by stone or wooden pillars—typically 3 to 4 feet in height. The superstructure is made of timber, while the walls are usually built using wattle and daub. The interior walls are traditionally decorated with murals, most often executed in the Kandyan artistic style.

Architectural Features

The Tampita Viharaya at Deniyathanna is supported by 20 granite pillar stumps. Surrounding the image house is a narrow circumambulatory path, enclosed by a protective fence. Unlike many similar structures, the exterior walls here are devoid of murals.

The image house is accessible through three access doors, positioned on three sides, excluding the rear.

Entrance and Uniqe Kimbisi Muhuna of the Makara Torana

The main entrance is designed in the form of a Chandrawanka (moon-shaped arch). Flanking the doorway are two guardian deities. Above the doorway is a distinctive Makara Torana (dragon arch).

In most Kandyan-era Makara Torana, the dragons are sculpted facing upwards or toward the central Kimbisi Muhuna. However, at Deniyathanna, the dragons are uniquely depicted facing directly outward, with an almost comical expression—an unusual stylistic deviation.

Historical References

Morathota Dhammarakkandha Sangharaja, the royal preceptor of Rajadhi Rajasinghe (r. 1781–1798), recorded in his journal that the temple received a land grant in 1797. This endowment included the produce from the Thalgaspitiya paddy fields, reflecting royal patronage during the late Kandyan period.

Preservation Status

The Deniyathanna Viharaya was officially declared a protected archaeological monument by a government gazette dated 8 July 2005, ensuring its preservation as a site of historical and cultural importance.

Access

The temple can be reached from Mawanella via Hakurugammana Junction (approximately 12 km) in Aranayake. From the junction, turn left, cross the Maha Oya, and continue for about 3 kilometers to reach the site.

Unique Makara Torana at the Thalgaspitiya Deniyathanna Tampita Viharaya

Alternate names : Deniyatanna Tampita Viharaya, Deniyatanne Tampita Viharaya, Deniyathanne Tampita Viharaya

References

කෑගලු කෝරළ පවත : පරණකුරු, කිණිගොඩ සහ ගල්බඩ කෝරළයන්හි ඓතිහාසික, සංස්කෘතික සහ පුරාවිද්‍යාත්මක ගවේෂණය – එම්. ඩී. එම්. එස්. යටවර

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