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Tissawa is a small town 12 km off Panduwasnuwara and 35 km off Kurunegala. This remote town is draped by a massive rocky mass over 900 meters long carrying the same name as Tissawa. According to folklore, A minister called Upatissa in the group of Vijaya (543-505 BCE) who landed in 543 BCE had settled in this area and thus became known as Tissawa.
Tissawa Rajamaha Viharaya temple is believed to have been built during the era of King Wattagamini Abhaya (Walagamba) (89-77 BC). Although nothing much of historical value remains in the temple today the temple lies in a tranquil and peaceful environment creating an enchanting experience for the visitor.
The temple consists of two image houses, both utilizing natural rock caves with drip ledges. The origins of these image houses go back to the Anuradhapura era. However, the larger image house has been rebuilt recently. The image house in the smaller cave is older and has been rebuilt during the era of King Keerti Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781) under the guidance of Welivita Sri Saranankara maha thero. The existing stupa is of a new design built on a room-like structure. Inside this room, you will find a much smaller ancient stupa of the temple.
There are a few other caves with drip ledges hidden in the jungles around the rock. The foundation of a small stupa believed to belong to the Anuradhapura era too can be seen on the edge of the temple. A similar stupa at the top of the Tissawa Rock has been completely restored by the Department of Archaeology.
Access to the Tissawa Rock is through the temple premises. After climbing through a jungle path, you will reach the top of the long narrow rock with an incredible view of the surrounding area. At the top of the rock, you will find the second stupa and a Bodhigara fully restored by the authorities. In addition, a holy footprint of the Buddha too can be seen among the ruins at the top.
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Map of Tissawa Rajamaha Viharaya
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Traveling Directions to Tissawa Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Chillaw to Tissawa Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Through : Bingiriya – Panduwasnuwara Time to spend – 1-2 hours Distance : 47 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on Google map |
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