Torawa Mailewa Viharaya

Torawa Mailewa Viharaya Thorawa Mailewa Viharaya, Thorava Mayilewa (Sinhala: තෝරව මයිලෑව විහාරය) (ancient Tisssa Pabbata Viharaya ) is a Buddhist temple situated in Thorava village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. History The history of this temple dates back to the 2nd century B.C., as evidenced by the drip-ledged caves with Early Brahmi Inscriptions (Nicholas, 1963). Also, a rock inscription belonging to the reign of King Gajabahu I (114-136 A.D.) have been discovered from this site (Paranavitana, 2001). This inscription reveals the ancient name of this site as Tisa-pavata Viharaya [(Tissa Pabbata Viharaya) Paranavitana, 2001]. Ruins and inscriptions There are several inscribed caves, ruins of two Stupas , a few ponds and some ancient stone works at the site (Nicholas, 1963; Paranavitana, 2001). Brahmi inscriptions A number of Brahmi cave inscriptions dating from 2nd century B.C. to 1st century A.D. have been discovered from the temple premises. Of them, Prof. Senarath Paranavitana has p…