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Sri Nagala Raja Maha Viharaya in Sri Lanka

Visit Sri Lanka

By ZeloanPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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A highly beautiful site of worship, Sri Nagala Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in the Nikawewa region between Moragollagama and Madagalla. This temple, which is located at the base of a sizable hill, is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. Additionally, it is said that Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu, was in charge of much of the temple's subsequent works. This temple, which had been abandoned for a very long period, was eventually emptied out and made entirely sacrosanct.

In the center of the Nikawewa hills sits the historic temple. At the base of the hill, a Dagaba Bo tree, another temple building, and other inscriptions may be observed. A branch of the Namaluwa Raja Maha Vihara Sangha is this temple. Although the old temple house is visible at the center of the Nikawewa hill, the modern temple building is situated at the base of the hill. This place excels at it. This indicates that the cave temple perched on the mountainside is the land's unique feature. You must climb a flight of stairs that are bordered by woods in order to reach this shrine. It's lovely to see the Nikawewa mountain range. The vista is breathtaking even from a distance. From here, one may see lakes, farmland, woods, mountains, and more. You come upon a huge statue of a reclining Buddha as you enter the cave. This statue is 42 feet long approximately. The statue was originally constructed out of bricks.

It was later painted and restored. However, just a little portion of the original appearance has been preserved. The cave walls' artwork were painted, however they are presently being gradually covered over. There is proof that the slope leading to the main cave temple included two other caverns. While admiring the grandeur of the mountain, attention should be exercised on this walk. A temple constructed in accordance with Kandyan tradition may be seen at the base of the hill. In addition, the dagoba, the monastery, and the Bo-trees give this holy location a luminous appearance. Recently, the dagoba that had been wild for a long time was rehabilitated. Additionally, several ancient inscriptions have been discovered in this region that indicate the ceremonies practiced here. So, everyone interested in learning more about the history of the nation is welcome to come here.

For the sake of future generations, the Chief Incumbent Ven. Daladagama Dhammasiddhi Thero is currently working very hard to conserve the historic paintings, ruins, and inscriptions. The government and the people have a duty and obligation to save this temple, which is covered with the remains of a long-ago holy tale.

Destination Near

  • Dolukanda Mountain

The mountain Dolukanda is located in the Kurunegala District, about 20 kilometers from the city of Kurunegala, near the Hiripitiya hamlet. It rises around 600 meters vertically from the flat plains. Its dimensions are around 2 kilometers long by 0.5 kilometers wide, with a forest reserve on top.

https://zeloan.blogspot.com/2022/10/dolukanda-in-sri-lanka.html

  • Ulpotha Ayurveda Treatment

Few locations remain in the world where you may feel secure in the arms of nature while being free from the numerous worries and strains of contemporary life. Ulpotha is one such location. You find unfathomable natural beauty and tranquility at the foot of the Galgiriyawa mountain, on the edge of a lotus-ringed lake on one side and surrounded by emerald green paddy fields on the other.

https://zeloan.blogspot.com/2022/09/Ulpotha.html

  • Kurunegala Lake

Rantalia Lake and Kurunegala Tank are other names for Kurunegala Lake. It is a beautiful body of water that is located on the outskirts of the major town and away from city traffic. It is obviously free to sit by the lake, wander about it, and take in the scenery. You can go to a restaurant or pub to watch the sunset after spending some time relaxing by the lake. Also to be considered is the fact that Kurunegala natives adore holding their wedding ceremonies here due to the lovely setting.

  • Ridi Viharaya

A very well-known Buddhist site, Ridi Viharaya is situated between caverns and a forest. There are several statues of the Lord Buddha that are all quite old. The location itself shows evidence of old construction. Don't forget to stop by Ridi Viharaya to get Lord Buddha's blessings for the remainder of your travel and to simply enjoy the atmosphere. You will always treasure these recollections.

  • Padeniya Raja Maha Vihara

If you are passing by the temple with the aforementioned name, it is worth a visit. The temple is situated where the Puttalam and Anuradhapura highways intersect, roughly 25 km northwest of Kurunegala and 85 miles south of Anuradhapura. The temple is attractive and is reminiscent of a medieval temple. It features 28 carved pillars. The temple also boasts a magnificent and ornate entrance that is reputed to be the biggest door in Sri Lanka. The entrance opens out to the main temple. In addition to this, there is a residence, a library, and a preaching hall with a peculiarly carved pulpit made of wood.

  • Munneswaram Temple

As a temple dedicated to Shiva, Munneswaram Temple is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's most significant shrines. According to popular belief, Vishnu is the defender, Shiva imparts wisdom, and Durga is unbeatable. The Hindu Pandya sculpture from the fourteenth century, who ruled throughout Southern India, is said to have originated there. Between the end of August and the full moon in February, pilgrims flock to this temple.

  • Yapahuwa

The entrance to the Buddha temple, which houses a priceless tooth relic, is a massive lion stairway. These stairs sit halfway up the slope and were once thought to be a masterpiece of Yapahuwa's castle, but sadly they are now in ruins. A lower town and a palace were formerly located on the granite cliff that the fortification of Bhuvanekabahu I has been erected against.

  • Siyambalangamuwa Wewa

One of the several tanks constructed by ancient Sri Lanka's King Mahasen (276-303), who ruled during the Anuradhapura Kingdom, is the Usgala Siyambalangamuwa Wewa. West of Kala Wewa, another one of King Mahasen's wonders, is where the tank is situated. In order to transport water from the Kala Wewa to Siyambalangamuwa Wewa, later King Dhathusena (459–477) constructed the Balaluwewa Ela (Balaluwewa Canal), the left bank canal of the Kalawewa.

How to Get

  • Kurunegala --> Ibbagamuwa-Madagalla --> Moragollagama road --> from Madagalla junction --> Nikawewa
  • If you are coming from Anuradhapura you can reach Galnewa via Moragollagama
  • Across Mahawa you can come to Madagalle and come to this place

Google Map:

https://goo.gl/maps/khEbaxCBWQLSE6yW7

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About the Creator

Zeloan

I'm a Traveller, Blogger, and Content Creator. Visit Sri Lanka, and you can see the most beautiful places in the world and the remarkable hospitality here

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