Paragoda Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: පරගොඩ රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Paragoda village in Galle District, Sri Lanka.
History
The history of this temple runs back to the Anuradhapura Period (Ranchagoda, 2015). It is said that one of the 32 saplings of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree was planted at this site during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa [(247-207 B.C.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Ranchagoda, 2015]. Ancient texts such as Bodhivamsa and Nampota mention the name of this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004). The existing Bo tree at this temple is believed to be the original tree planted in the 3rd century B.C. (Abeyawardana, 2004). Folklore says that a ceremony called Namal Pujawa was held at this temple in ancient times (Ranchagoda, 2015).
References
1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Ruhuna: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-073-4. pp.36-37.
2) Ranchagoda, T. O., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Galla Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-53-4. p.25.
Location Map
This page was last updated on 1 January 2023
