Heritage

Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota (අම්බලන්තොට උච්චවාලික රජමහා විහාරය)

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A preserved stupa at the Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple complex located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, within the territory of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom. This site dates back to the pre-Christian era and has been designated as a protected archaeological monument by the Department of Archaeology. Several structures at the site, including a stupa, an image house, and other architectural remains, have been conserved and preserved.

The Stupa

The ancient dagoba (stupa) stands atop a rectangular platform measuring approximately 17.4 × 17.1 meters (57 × 56 feet). The platform, constructed on a solid stone foundation, rises to a height of around 1.45 meters (4 feet 9 inches). Surrounding the base is a brick retaining wall approximately 1.22 meters (4 feet) thick, which encloses a core filled with compacted earth.

At the center of the southern side of the platform is a stone staircase made of nine granite steps, providing access to the top. Flanking the steps are brick balustrades. While no guardstones or moonstones were found at the base of the stairs, the lower portions of both the retaining walls and the balustrades exhibit well-preserved ornamental moldings.

At the center of the earth-filled platform lies an octagonal brick foundation, about 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) thick, upon which the stupa was built. By the time of its conservation in 1964, the stupa was intact up to its first basal ring. However, above that point, the structure was severely dilapidated, leaving little evidence to reconstruct its original shape. The stupa’s circumference was recorded at approximately 30.5 meters (100 feet), with the remaining height reaching around 2.4 meters (8 feet).

Evidence of Looting

A vertical shaft, about 3 meters (10 feet) deep, had been dug into the center of the stupa by treasure hunters. When this was uncovered during archaeological work, it was found filled with broken bricks and soil. This debris was removed, and the shaft was cleared down to the relic chamber. Unfortunately, all contents of the relic chamber had been stolen, and the chamber itself had been completely destroyed.

How to Reach the Temple

To visit Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya, begin by passing through the Nonagama Junction. From Ambalantota, take the Ridiyagama Road. The temple is located approximately 4.2 kilometers from the Ridiyagama Junction. A map or GPS navigation is recommended to guide you the rest of the way to the site.

The new stupa of the Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya

A preserved building at the Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya

A damaged buddha statue at the Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya

Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota - අම්බලන්තොට උච්චවාලික රජමහා විහාරය

References

Godakumbura, C. E. (1967). Administration Report of the Archaeological Commissioner for the financial year 1964-65: Part IV – Education, Science and Art (G). Government of Ceylon.

Also See

Map of Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota

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Travel Directions to Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota

Route from Nonagama Junction to Uchchawalike Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota

Through : Ridiyagama Road
Distance : 8 km
Travel time : 20 minutes
Driving directions : see on Google map

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