Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya
Photo credit: Google Street View Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: ඇඹිල්ල රජ මහා විහාරය) Embilla Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Hulangamuwa village in Matale District, Sri Lanka. History The ancient Ambariya Viharaya which is mentioned in the commentary to Dhajagga Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya is believed to be this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004). According to the local tradition, the history of this temple runs back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa [(250-210 B.C.)Abeyawardana, 2004]. It is said that the Arhats who came for the Buddhist Council held at Alu Viharaya had used this temple as a resting place (Abeyawardana, 2004). The name of this temple is mentioned in the Nampotha , an ancient text written after the 14th century. The Bodhi tree at the entrance gate of the Viharaya is believed to have been planted there about 400 years ago by a Brahmin named Solanga (Abeyawardana, 2004). The cave temple The cave temple of Ambilla Viharaya is considered an important monument. A rec…
