Velgam Vehera, an ancient Buddhist temple in Trincomalee, dates back to before the 2nd century CE. It was protected during the Chola period.
Velgam Vehera (Trincomalee) Not to be confused with Vilgam Vehera (Trincomalee) Velgam Vehera (Sinhala: වෙල්ගම් වෙහෙර) is a ruined Buddhist temple situated near Mahawewa (Tamil: Periyakulam) in Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. Known among the local Hindus as Natanar Kovil, this temple is said to be the only example of a Tamil Vihara or Buddhist Palli in the country (Nicholas, 1963; Ray, 1960). History This temple was founded by Sinhalese Buddhists before the 2nd century A.D. (Ray, 1960). In an inscription of King Bhatikatissa (143-167 A.D.), which is found engraved on the adjoining hill, this temple is called Abagara Vihara at Velagama (Nicholas, 1963). A fragmentary slab inscription of King Udaya IV (946-954 A.D.) was discovered at this site in 1953 (Ranawella, 2004). Cola Period During the Cola occupation of Anuradhapura from 993 to 1070, this site received the patronage and protection of Cola Tamils who were predominantly Hindus (Pathmanathan, 1978). Although they are said to have destroyed the other Buddhist temp…
