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Traveling 39 kilometers from Kurunegala towards Dambulla, then turning onto a narrow paved road and continuing for another 1.5 km will lead you to the base of the hill where the ruins of the Veherabandihinna Archaeological site, built in the 2nd century CE, are located.
The time period of this ancient temple complex has been confirmed through inscriptions uncovered during excavations at the site. Archaeologists have identified more than seven inscriptions dating from the 2nd to 6th centuries CE.
Most of these inscriptions fall under a unique category known as “Waharala” inscriptions. One particularly significant inscription mentions the name of a king, allowing historians to establish the period in which the temple existed. It documents a land donation of two payas (2 amuna) and another of four amuna by King Kanittatissa (164-192 CE). Adjacent to the viharaya, a white sandalwood forest can be found. Based on these inscriptions, the ancient name of this temple complex was Abhaya Viharaya.
The stupa at the top had been dug from the top by treasure hunters in search of valuables enshrined within when discovered. This site was declared as an archaeological reserve in 2016 and conservation work started a few years later.
Also See
Map of Ruins at Veherabandihinna 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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Driving Directions to Ruins at Veherabandihinna Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Ruins at Veherabandihinna Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Though : Kurunegala distance : 135 km Travel time :2.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
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