Naga Maha Viharaya, also known as Mahagamanaga Viharaya or Mahanaga Viharaya (Sinhala: නාග මහා විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated near Yodhakandiya Wewa in Tissamaharama in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka.
History
This temple is considered the oldest Vihara at Mahagama founded by Mahanaga in the 3rd century B.C. (Nicholas, 1963). It was restored, its Stupa was enlarged and its area extended by King Ilanaga [(33-43 A.D.) Nicholas, 1963].
A Protected Site
The ancient pond and other ruins at Yodhakandiya Naga Maha Vihara premises in Debarawewa in Tissamaharama Divisional Secretariat Division are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government gazette notification published on 1 November 1996.
References
1) Nicholas, C. W., 1963. Historical topography of ancient and medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series (Vol VI). Special Number: Colombo. Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch). p.60.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.