Labugama Reservoir

Labugama Reservoir (Sinhala: ලබුගම ජලාශය) is a storage reservoir situated in Labugama-Kalatuwawa Forest Reserve in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. It was built by impounding the flow of the Wak Oya for water supply for domestic consumption in Colombo City (Arumugam, 1969). The reservoir along with the nearby Kalatuwawa Reservoir is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council.

History

The Labugama weir was constructed by the British Colonial Government in 1882 (Kotalawala, 2017). The construction work of the tank was completed in 1886 (Arumugam, 1969).

The reservoir

Labugama Reservoir is one of the tanks in the Kelani Ganga basin. Except for the drainage from its own catchment area, the tank is mainly fed by the Wak Oya (Arumugam, 1969). The storage capacity is 1960 million gallons and the area of water spread is 205 acres at its full supply level (Arumugam, 1969).

The weir of the reservoir is 26.5 m high and 150 m long (Kotalawala, 2017). The greatest depth of the reservoir is 22.5 m (Kotalawala, 2017).

References

1) Arumugam, S., 1969. Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board. p.46.

2) Kotalawala, A.B., 2017. Impact of weirs on fish fauna of Wak-Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 22(1). pp.65-86.

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Aluthdivulwewa Viharaya

Aluthdivulwewa Viharaya (Sinhala: අළුත්දිවුල්වැව විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Alutdivulwewa village near Divulwewa reservoir in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of this temple probably runs back to the Anuradhapura Period as the nearby Divulwewa reservoir is believed to have been built during the reign of King Vasabha [(67-111 A.D.) Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021]. The Tempita Viharaya of the temple was constructed in 1744 under the guidance of Welipota Kumarihami of the Morawaka Bandara family (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Alutdivulwewa Tempita Viharaya

The Alutdivulwewa Tempita Viharaya has been built upon 10 short stone pillars with one pillar added later to support the rear cross beam (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory which is not enclosed by a handrail or a short wall. Besides the main seated Buddha statue, two Buddha and two deity images are found inside the sanctum. 

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.90-91.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya

Minigamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: මිණිගමුව ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Minigamuwa village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is of archaeological importance. It was constructed in the latter part of the 19th century under the guidance of Walpola Sumanga Thera (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The murals have been executed by a painter named Hirihagama Gurunnanse (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya

The Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya has been built upon more than 20 short stone pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The pillars were plastered during the renovations done in the early 20th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). A preaching hall has been built in front of it later.

A protected site

The Tempita Viharaya at Minigamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya situated in Minigamuwa village in the Galagedara Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.80-81.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.

3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya

Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: උඩස්ගිරිය ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Udasgiriya village in Matale District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is unique as it has been created by converting an Atuwa (a granary) into an image house (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The folklore says that a headman named Hitibandara created this temple when a sacred relic that had been hidden inside the granary for his family's worship became disclosed to the public (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). He converted the granary into an image house overnight by erecting a roof over it before any royal inquiry (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya

The Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya has been built upon 6 short masonry pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The roof is extended in front of the temple to accommodate the people who come to worship it. The main Buddha image has been placed over a Pettagama (wooden storage box) instead of a base as it was not originally built as an image house (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The interior and exterior walls of the temple have been painted with murals later (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). 

A protected site

The Tempita Viharaya (Viharaya built on stone piles) at Udasgiriya Bodhi Malu Viharaya situated in the No. 336, Udasgiriya Grama Niladhari Division in the Yatawatta Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 24 July 2009.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.86-87.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1612. 24 July 2009. p.1022.

3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Walala Tempita Viharaya

Walala Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: වළල ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Walala village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The folklore reveals that the Pahala-Baladora villagers constructed the temple as they did not want to depend on the temple of nearby Ihala-Baladora village (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Walala Tempita Viharaya

The Walala Tempita Viharaya is a rectangular-shaped structure built upon 25 short stone pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). There are four pillars grouped at four corners, two each at the front and back, two sides and one at the centre of the structure (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory margined by a short wall. A Mandapa and a bell tower were added in front of the Tempita Viharaya later (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.88-89.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Baladora Tempita Viharaya

Baladora Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Nagarukkarama Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: බලදොර ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Pahala Baldora village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The folklore reveals that the temple was constructed by the Pahala-Baladora villagers as they did not want to depend on the temple of nearby Ihala-Baladora village (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

The temple was renovated by the Department of Archaeology in 1995.

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Baladora Tempita Viharaya

The Baladora Tempita Viharaya is a two-storey like structure built upon relatively tall stone pillars and the upper floor in which the sanctum has been created can be accessed through a wooden stairway (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory enclosed with walls containing five small windows. Of the seven images that are found in the sanctum, two depict King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782 A.D.) and Weliwita Saranankara Thera (1698-1778 A.D.). The stone pillars of the temple are believed to have been brought from the ruins of Ancient Panduwasnuwara City (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.96-97.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Dethawa Mahamuni Viharaya

Dethawa Tempita Viharaya, also known as Mahamuni Viharaya (Sinhala: දැතව ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Dethawa village near famous Panavitiya Ambalama in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected during the Kandyan Period. The Stupa was added to the temple in the late-20th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Dethawa Tempita Viharaya

The Dethawa Tempita Viharaya is built upon six short stone pillars and the sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory enclosed with a wall of balusters made of Kithul palm (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The roof is covered with Calicut clay tiles..

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.102-103.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya

Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: හිරුවල්පොල ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Hiruvalpola village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected before the Kandyan Period and was renovated by a Buddhist monk named Tumbulla Thera in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The temple was again renovated in 1900 by Udadeniya Piyadassi Thera (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The paintings were preserved by the authorities in 1970.

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya

The Hiruwapola Tempita Viharaya is built upon several short stone pillars and the sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory. During the renovations done in 1900, the stone pillars were plastered and the balusters around the ambulatory were replaced with a parapet wall (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The Mandapa was added to it during the same period. The interior and exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with paintings of the Kandyan tradition.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.108-109.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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