Pelenda Galkanu Godella Viharaya, in Kalutara, is a historical Buddhist site linked to King Parakramabahu I and Veediya Bandara.
Pelenda Galkanu Godella Viharaya P elenda Galkanu Godella Raja Maha Viharaya , also known as Palinda Nuwara Veediya Bandara Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: පැලෑඳ ගල්කණු ගොඩැල්ල රජමහා විහාරය, පාලින්ද නුවර වීදිය බණ්ඩාර පුරාණ විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Pelenda village in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. History The chronicle Mahavamsa states that Parakramabahu who later ascended the throne the country as King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 A.D.) cultivated in Palinda Nuwara of Pasyodun Rata (ancient Pancayojana-Rattha or Pasyodun-vaga ) when he was the regional ruler of Dakkhinadesa . It further says that Parakramabahu mustered forces in this area during his war against Manabharana of Ruhuna. Veediya Bandara who fled with his wife Samudradevi to Pelenda gathered troops, produced weapons and led wars against the Portuguese in the 16th century A.D. (Abeyawardana, 2002; Pieris, 1992). The ruins which are found scattered in the present temple premises is believed to be the remains of the constructions by Veediya Bandara. A Protec…
