Heritage

Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya in Galle (යටගල රජමහා විහාරය)

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Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya - යටගල රජමහා විහාරය

Hidden amid towering granite boulders, Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a tranquil sanctuary of faith and history. Home to an ancient Bodhi Tree and a 27-meter (18-riyan) reclining Buddha, this sacred site blends natural beauty with centuries of Buddhist devotion.

The Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya was established during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BCE) of the Anuradhapura period when one of the first saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree was planted at this site.

The Reclining Buddha and the Rock Outcrop

It is believed that King Parakramabahu II (1236-1270 CE) of the Dambadeniya period instructed his minister Devapathiraja to build the reclining Buddha statue, which measures 27 meters (18 riyan) in length, within a cave formed by the massive rock outcrop that gives the temple its name.

Royal Patronage and Colonial History

During the reign of the last king of Sri Lanka, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798-1815 CE) of Kandy, the temple received Nindagam (land grants) and numerous valuable offerings, many of which remain preserved by the Viharadipathi (chief monk) of the temple. During British colonial rule, the then chief priest developed a close friendship with Governor Marshall, and one of the Buddhist schools founded during that time was named in his honor—a name it still retains today.

Administrative Significance

In earlier times, eighteen temples were under the administration of the Yatagala Viharadipathi, including custodianship of both Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya and Magul Maha Viharaya.

Restoration and Sacred Status

In recent years, Yatagala has been declared a Sacred Area, leading to major restoration and development efforts to return it to its former grandeur. While the State improved infrastructure, temple devotees (Dayakas) contributed funds to build a golden fence around the sacred Bodhi Tree and install a Samadhi Buddha statue beneath its shade. The cavern created by four immense granite boulders was transformed into a meditation hall, housing another granite Samadhi Buddha statue.

The Natural Rock Garden

Archaeologists believe that the great granite boulders surrounding the Bodhi Tree, standing like silent guardians, form a kind of natural rock garden—perhaps the very reason this spot was chosen for planting the sacred tree.

Also See

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Travel Directions to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya	Route II from Colombo to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya
Through : Southern Expressway Distance : 125 km Travel time : 2.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Unawatuna Distance : 6 km Travel time : 20 minutes Driving directions : see on google map

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