Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota – අම්බලන්තොට විල්ගම් රජමහා විහාරය

Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Ambalantota Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya is located in Baragama in the Ambalantota District Secretariat Division. The Sumangala Vilasini Atthakatha mentions that King Kavantissa had constructed this as a monastery for Buddhist nuns in the 2nd century BC. It is said in the same chronicle that during the 12 years of famine known as “Beminitiyasaya” a nun who was the sister of the chief prelate of Tissamaharama had taken refuge in this nunnery.
The ancient Dagoba had undergone a complete renovation and evidence exists that the temple complex had been encircled by a parapet. It appears that a stream had been in existance along the parapet of this precinct containing the religious structures. The archiectural features of Vilgam Vihara brings out the characteristics of a Pabbata Vihara.
To reach this temple, pass Nonagama Junction and take the Beragama Road from Ambalanthota. Use the map as the guide from here to reach the temple. The distance is approximately 5.3 km from the Beragama Junction.
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Travel Directions to Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota
Route from Nonagama Junction to Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota |
Through : Beragama Road Distance : 9.5 km Travel time : 20 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
Map of Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya at Ambalantota
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