Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle (කෑගල්ල වතුර රජමහා විහාරය)

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To reach the Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya, travel 5.6 kilometers along the Bulathkohupitiya Road from the Kegalle bypass until you arrive at Hettimulla town. From there, proceed 2.8 kilometers along the Gewilipitiya Road until you come to a narrow by-road marked by a decorative pandal—an unmistakable landmark. The temple is situated just 100 meters down this lane.

Though the temple now appears modern, its origins trace back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BCE). Scattered among the newer structures are remnants of its ancient past: granite pillars and stone steps likely from an old image house and a granite pinnacle believed to date back to the Anuradhapura period. The existing small image house likely belongs to the late Kandyan era.

Detis Pala Maha Bodhi at Wathura

According to the Mahavamsa, the Maha Bodhivamsa (compiled around the 12th century), and the Sinhala Bodhivamsa (a 14th-century Sinhala version), eight saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi were planted by King Devanampiyatissa at eight specific sites, collectively known as the Ashta Pala Bodhi. From four additional twigs, thirty-two (Dethis Pala) saplings are said to have sprouted—eight from each twig.

One of these Dethis Pala saplings is recorded to have been planted at the Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya. Today, an ancient stone wall built from large granite blocks encloses the Bodhi tree at the site. It is believed that the current tree is a sapling of the Dethis Pala tree, which is believed to have perished over time.

Ruins at Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

Small Image House at Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

The ancient Bodhi at Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

References

Mahanama, Geiger, W.H. and Bode, M. (1912) The Mahavamsa: Or The Great Chronicle of Ceylon. London: H. Frowde for the Pali Text Society.
Wilgammula Thero, S.P. (1970) සිංහල බෝධිවංශය. Colombo: Lake House.

Also See

Dethis Pala Bodhi Trees in Sri Lanka

Map of the Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

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Driving Directions to Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

Route from Kegalle to Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya in Kegalle

Through: Hettimulla
Distance: 8.7 km
Travel time: 20 minutes
Driving directions: see on Google Maps.

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