How to Explore Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara

A trip to Bentota would undoubtedly be an enriching experience due to the fascinating sites that call this charming coastal town their home. One of the best sites that Bentota offers is Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara, which provides detailed insights into the history of Sri Lanka. This site of archaeological value is a must-visit destination for everyone who visits this incredibly scenic city. Here's how you can explore Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara!

At first glance

Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara is nestled adjacent to the Bentota River, also known as Bentara Ganga, in Sri Lanka. It is a historic temple in this country. Located within a short driving distance from properties such as Saman Villas. The temple towers truly to its name, which means "built in stone" – from the path that leads you to the temple to the stone archway that welcomes visitors, everything in this temple premises is carved in stone. On the pillars at the entrance, you'd notice the carved motifs of the local 'Nari Latha', which is a creeper that bears flowers that are shaped like a damsel. These exquisite carvings carry immense historical value, dating to the Kandyan period of Sri Lanka. This temple is a site that must definitely be on your itinerary when you're hoping to explore the surroundings during several days spent at one of the Sri Lanka boutique hotels.

Know the origins

It is interesting to know that these stone archway was initially located at the Bentota Udakotuwa Raja Maha Vihara and was later brought to the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara. There are four other temples situated along the route to this temple, and it is said that all five of these temples belonged to a much larger temple complex, covering thousands of acres. A great source of insight for days back in history is the rock outcrop that lies close to the stone arch – here, one can see a line of inscriptions that are believed to date back to the period when King Prakramabahu I ruled the land in the 12th century. For conservation purposes, a metal fence has been built around this rocky outcrop carrying the inscriptions by the Department of Archaeology in Sri Lanka. A translation of the inscription can be seen in Sinhala, Tamil, and English next to this. It is mentioned that a Tamil officer who ruled the Pasdunkorala during the reign of King Parakramabahu I has built this temple with the assistance of his mother and brothers in law.

A rare archaeological gem

A unique finding in these temple premises is Galperanaya, which can be translated as the stone water filter. As with everything around, it is also made with stone – however, the type of stone that this object is made out of seems to have porous properties that can absorb the water trickling down into it. Oval in shape, and with a depth of 18 inches, this incredible creation of the past is shaped like a basin, with a mouth at the top. Galperanaya is held in two arm-like appendages attached to its sides. About 15-20 minutes after water is filled from its mouth, one may notice how the stone vessel gets damp and droplets of water trickle down to the small basin kept under this filter. It is kept in the Pilgrimage or Image House in order to sprinkle the flowers offered to Lord Buddha with water. This filter is proof that ancient Sri Lanka was much more advanced – way before modern civilisations ever thought of purifying water.

Learn about its colonialism and restoration

During the Portuguese occupation between the early 16th century and mid-17th century, Galapatha Rajamaha Vihara was destroyed along with the surrounding Buddhist temples of the area. Later on, it was rebuilt and one may still see the mesmerising statues and artwork in its Buddha house. Galapatha Rajamaha Vihara is best known for holding the relic of Maha Kashyapa Thero, which is the only one of its kind in the world.