Warana Raja Maha Vihara

Warana Raja Maha Vihara
වාරණ රජ මහා විහාරය

Ancient Stupa at middle ground
Basic information
Location Warana, Thihariya, Sri Lanka
Geographic coordinates 07°06′15.3″N 80°04′28.9″E / 7.104250°N 80.074694°E / 7.104250; 80.074694Coordinates: 07°06′15.3″N 80°04′28.9″E / 7.104250°N 80.074694°E / 7.104250; 80.074694
Affiliation Buddhism
Province Western Province
Heritage designation Archaeological protected monument[1] (01 November 1996)
Architectural description
Architectural type Buddhist Temple
Architectural style Cave temple
Founder King Devanampiyathissa (307–267 BC)

Warana Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhalaː වාරණ රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple which is situated in Thihariya, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the Colombo - Kandy highway.

Currently this temple has been recognized as an archaeological protected site in Gampaha District by Archaeological department.[1]


History

Warana Raja Maha Vihara is believed to be built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307–267 BC)[2] and according to the temple chronicles preserved at the Vihara, later renovations haven been undertaken by King Valagamba (103 BCE and c.89–77 BCE), Nissanka Malla (1187–1196), Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782) and Parakramabahu VI.[3]

According to the Dr. Senarath Paranavithana's book Inscriptions of Ceylon, Part I, a Brahmin inscription, found in the vihara premises, has been interpreted as follows:.[4]

Bata Maj himas batikabata Tissadatta dne. (In English: "The gift of Lord Tissadatta, brother of Lord Magji hima)

It reads that Tissadatta, an Arahat who had gifted the cave, is a brother of Mahinda Thero, who brought Buddhism to the country in the 3rd century B.C. It is believed that Tissadatta Therro was the first pupil of the Venerable Mahinda.[5]

The temple

A scene of the temple

The temple is mainly consist of three levels as Pahala maluwa, Meda maluwa and Ihala maluwa. In the first level the Sangawasaya and the Dharama Hall is located and in the middle level the drip ledged cave temple with its ancient Stupa can be seen. It is said that stupa is around 800 years old. Inside the cave temple many of Buddha statues and paintings are found. The canopy of the cave has been decorated with lotus flowers and with various other flower designs. In the top level another Stupa and Cave temple can be seen.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Protercted Monument List 2012-12-12" (PDF). Department of Archaeology. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  2. ↑ "Warana Rajamaha Viharaya, Gampaha". tlc.lk. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "WARANA RAJAMAHA VIHARA". srilankaheritages.com. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  4. ↑ (page 86 - No. 1102 - Warana)
  5. ↑ "Varana Rajamaha Viharaya – වාරණ රජමහා විහාරය". amazinglanka. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
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