Bandagiriya Viharaya

Bandagiriya Viharaya
Bandagiriya Viharaya (Sinhala: බඳගිරිය විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated near Bandagiriya Wewa in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka.  History This temple is believed to be the ancient Badagaldora Viharaya built by Kavantissa [(205-161 B.C.) Nicholas, 1963]. The place-names Bandagiri and Badagiri have been found among Sigiri graffiti (Nicholas, 1963). Inscriptions Inscriptions belonging to the 4th 5th centuries A.D. have been recorded from the site (Gamage, 2020). Bandagiriya rock inscriptions Period: 3rd-4th centuries A.D.          Script: Transitional Brahmi Language: Old Sinhala Content: Three rock inscriptions reveal donations made to this temple. The first one records that Sinha, the son of minister Bapa made a donation to conduct the preaching of Ariyawasa from the interest received for one year. The second one also mentions a donation made to conduct the preaching of Ariyawasa and the four requisites. The third inscription is fragmentary. Reference: The information board at the site by t…