Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya

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Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya - වැලිගම අග්‍රබෝධි රජමහා විහාරය — Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya – වැලිගම අග්‍රබෝධි රජමහා විහාරය

Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya in Weligama is a historic sanctuary housing the first of the thirty-two sacred Bodhi saplings. Dating to King Devanampiyatissa’s reign, it features Kandyan-era murals and a rare Ashtamangala foundation stone. Despite Portuguese-era destruction, the temple remains a revered site of royal patronage and classical literary fame.

Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya in Weligama is an ancient temple with origins tracing back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BCE). According to the Sinhala Bodhivamsa, the chronicle of the sacred Bodhi tree, the very first of the thirty-two saplings derived from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi was planted at this site, identified as Weligam Vehera, during this period.

Historical Developments and Royal Patronage

The chronicle further records that Patarajakulavardhana Devadhikari, the Commander-in-Chief of Queen Kalyanavati during the Polonnaruva period, established a pirivena at this vihara. Evidence also indicates that an image house was constructed under the patronage of King Parakramabahu IV (1302–1326 CE). Subsequently, King Bhuvanekabahu IV (1341–1351 CE), together with his Commander-in-Chief Senalankadhikari, made offerings to the temple, demonstrating continued royal support.

Legends Associated with the Bodhi Sapling

According to traditional accounts, when several of the earliest Bodhi saplings were being transported to the southern regions, the group carrying them rested overnight at this location. By the following morning, it was discovered that the foremost sapling had taken root at the site. As a result, the decision was made to leave it there permanently. Because this was regarded as the first and principal sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi, the temple came to be known as Agrabodhi Viharaya (Senaveratna, 1920).

Another tradition attributes the construction of the temple to King Aggrabodhi IV (667–683 CE), suggesting that the temple derived its name from this ruler.

Literary References

The significance of Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya is further reflected in its mention in classical Sandesha poetry, including Thisara Sandeshaya, Kokila Sandeshaya, and Parevi Sandeshaya.

Archaeological Evidence

The antiquity of the temple is further supported by the discovery of an Ashtamangala Shilawa (also known as Ata Magala), an “Eightfold Prosperity Stone” traditionally used as a foundation stone in temples of the Anuradhapura period. This artifact measures approximately 15.2 centimetres (6 inches) on each side and about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) in thickness. It is regarded as one of the most complete examples discovered, with all eight symbolic carvings clearly identifiable.

Artistic Features and Associated Sites

The Buddha image house and its interior paintings date to the Kandyan period. In close proximity to the temple lies the Kushtaraja Gala rock carving, which was historically associated with the temple but is now administratively separated and maintained by the Department of Archaeology.

Decline and Restoration

During the period of Portuguese control over the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, the temple was destroyed and had fallen into a state of disrepair by the 18th century. It was subsequently restored and revived under the guidance of Agalakada Dammarakkitha Thero during the same century.

An inscription records that King Rajadhi Rajasinhe (1781–1798) of the Kandyan Kingdom purchased land and donated it for the maintenance of the temple. This inscription also refers to the theft of a pair of tusks.

References

Senaveratna, J. M. (1920). Antiquities in the Southern Province – Diary of the Late Mr. E. R. Ayrton. The Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register, VI (part II), 86–93.
Parakramabahu, S., & Wilgammula (Thero). (n.d.). ශ්‍රී පරාක්‍රමබාහු විල්ගම්මුල සඟරජ හිමියන් ප්‍රණීත සිංහල බෝධිවංශය. https://tipitaka.lk/library/957 (Original work published in the era of the Kurunegala Kingdom)
Wanarathna Thero, K. (1994). මාතර පුරා විද්‍යාත්මක ඉතිහාසය. Sri Rohana Sangha Sabha Center.

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Route from Galle to Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Matara to Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya
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