Labugama Reservoir

Labugama Reservoir (Sinhala: ලබුගම ජලාශය) is a storage reservoir situated in Labugama-Kalatuwawa Forest Reserve in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. It was built by impounding the flow of the Wak Oya for water supply for domestic consumption in Colombo City (Arumugam, 1969). The reservoir along with the nearby Kalatuwawa Reservoir is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council.

History

The Labugama weir was constructed by the British Colonial Government in 1882 (Kotalawala, 2017). The construction work of the tank was completed in 1886 (Arumugam, 1969).

The reservoir

Labugama Reservoir is one of the tanks in the Kelani Ganga basin. Except for the drainage from its own catchment area, the tank is mainly fed by the Wak Oya (Arumugam, 1969). The storage capacity is 1960 million gallons and the area of water spread is 205 acres at its full supply level (Arumugam, 1969).

The weir of the reservoir is 26.5 m high and 150 m long (Kotalawala, 2017). The greatest depth of the reservoir is 22.5 m (Kotalawala, 2017).

References

1) Arumugam, S., 1969. Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board. p.46.

2) Kotalawala, A.B., 2017. Impact of weirs on fish fauna of Wak-Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 22(1). pp.65-86.

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Aluthdivulwewa Viharaya

Aluthdivulwewa Viharaya (Sinhala: අළුත්දිවුල්වැව විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Alutdivulwewa village near Divulwewa reservoir in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of this temple probably runs back to the Anuradhapura Period as the nearby Divulwewa reservoir is believed to have been built during the reign of King Vasabha [(67-111 A.D.) Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021]. The Tempita Viharaya of the temple was constructed in 1744 under the guidance of Welipota Kumarihami of the Morawaka Bandara family (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Alutdivulwewa Tempita Viharaya

The Alutdivulwewa Tempita Viharaya has been built upon 10 short stone pillars with one pillar added later to support the rear cross beam (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory which is not enclosed by a handrail or a short wall. Besides the main seated Buddha statue, two Buddha and two deity images are found inside the sanctum. 

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.90-91.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya

Minigamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: මිණිගමුව ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Minigamuwa village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

This temple is said to have been established during the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya II [(1687-1707 A.D.) Rajapakse, 2016].

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is of archaeological importance. It was constructed in the latter part of the 19th century under the guidance of Walpola Sumanga Thera (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The murals have been executed by a painter named Hirihagama Gurunnanse (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya

The Minigamuwa Tempita Viharaya has been built upon more than 20 short stone pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The pillars were plastered during the renovations done in the early 20th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). A seated Buddha statue in Dyana Mudra (meditation posture), six standing Buddha statues and two images of deities are found inside the image house (Rajapakse, 2016). The inner walls and the ceiling have been adorned with Kandyan era paintings (Rajapakse, 2016). A preaching hall has been built in front of it later.

A protected site

The Tempita Viharaya at Minigamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya situated in Minigamuwa village in the Galagedara Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

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Attribution

1) LankaPradeepa.com would like to thank Vishwa Sri Jayasinghe for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.

 

References

1) Rajapakse, S., 2016. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Mahanuwara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-34-8. pp.165-166.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.80-81.

3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.

4) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya

Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: උඩස්ගිරිය ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Udasgiriya village in Matale District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is unique as it has been created by converting an Atuwa (a granary) into an image house (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The folklore says that a headman named Hitibandara created this temple when a sacred relic that had been hidden inside the granary for his family's worship became disclosed to the public (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). He converted the granary into an image house overnight by erecting a roof over it before any royal inquiry (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya

The Udasgiriya Tempita Viharaya has been built upon 6 short masonry pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The roof is extended in front of the temple to accommodate the people who come to worship it. The main Buddha image has been placed over a Pettagama (wooden storage box) instead of a base as it was not originally built as an image house (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The interior and exterior walls of the temple have been painted with murals later (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). 

A protected site

The Tempita Viharaya (Viharaya built on stone piles) at Udasgiriya Bodhi Malu Viharaya situated in the No. 336, Udasgiriya Grama Niladhari Division in the Yatawatta Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 24 July 2009.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.86-87.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1612. 24 July 2009. p.1022.

3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Walala Tempita Viharaya

Walala Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: වළල ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Walala village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected in the mid-18th century under the patronage of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha [(1747-1782 A.D.) Rajapakse, 2016]. The folklore reveals that the Pahala-Baladora villagers constructed the temple as they did not want to depend on the temple of nearby Ihala-Baladora village (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). Some details about this temple are found recorded in Walala Vihara Thudapatha (Rajapakse, 2016).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Walala Tempita Viharaya

The Walala Tempita Viharaya is a rectangular-shaped structure built upon 25 short stone pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). There are four pillars grouped at four corners, two each at the front and back, two sides and one at the centre of the structure (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory margined by a short wall. A Mandapa (a preaching hall) and a bell tower were added in front of the Tempita Viharaya later (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

References

1) Rajapakse, S., 2016. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Mahanuwara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-34-8. pp.173-174.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.88-89.

3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Baladora Tempita Viharaya

Baladora Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Nagarukkarama Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: බලදොර ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Pahala Baldora village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The folklore reveals that the temple was constructed by the Pahala-Baladora villagers as they did not want to depend on the temple of nearby Ihala-Baladora village (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

The temple was renovated by the Department of Archaeology in 1995.

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Baladora Tempita Viharaya

The Baladora Tempita Viharaya is a two-storey like structure built upon relatively tall stone pillars and the upper floor in which the sanctum has been created can be accessed through a wooden stairway (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory enclosed with walls containing five small windows. Of the seven images that are found in the sanctum, two depict King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782 A.D.) and Weliwita Saranankara Thera (1698-1778 A.D.). The stone pillars of the temple are believed to have been brought from the ruins of Ancient Panduwasnuwara City (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.96-97.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Dethawa Mahamuni Viharaya

Dethawa Tempita Viharaya, also known as Mahamuni Viharaya (Sinhala: දැතව ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Dethawa village near famous Panavitiya Ambalama in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected during the Kandyan Period. The Stupa was added to the temple in the late-20th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Dethawa Tempita Viharaya

The Dethawa Tempita Viharaya is built upon six short stone pillars and the sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory enclosed with a wall of balusters made of Kithul palm (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The roof is covered with Calicut clay tiles..

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.102-103.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya

Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: හිරුවල්පොල ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Hiruvalpola village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been erected before the Kandyan Period and was renovated by a Buddhist monk named Tumbulla Thera in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The temple was again renovated in 1900 by Udadeniya Piyadassi Thera (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The paintings were preserved by the authorities in 1970.

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Hiruwalpola Tempita Viharaya

The Hiruwapola Tempita Viharaya is built upon several short stone pillars and the sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory. During the renovations done in 1900, the stone pillars were plastered and the balusters around the ambulatory were replaced with a parapet wall (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The Mandapa was added to it during the same period. The interior and exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with paintings of the Kandyan tradition.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.108-109.

2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Avalokiteshvara (Boston Museum)

A Statue of Avalokiteshvara belonging to the 8th century is presently preserved in the Ross-Coomaraswamy Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in Massachusetts, United States. Discovered in Sri Lanka, the statue represents the Buddhist god Avalokiteshvara in the seated position.

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara from the Boston Museum

Accession number: 17.2312                    Production date: 8th century A.D.                    Production place: Sri Lanka

Materials: Bronze                                       Dimensions: 15.24 cm (6 in.)                           Subjects: Buddhist deity

Reference: The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Discovery

The find spot of the statue is unknown (Mudiyanse, 1967). It was purchased in Sri Lanka by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (1887-1947) in 1909 and he sold it to Denman Waldo Ross (1853-1935), Cambridge in 1917. Ross handed over it to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in the same year.

The statue

The statue represents God Avalokiteshvara, a Mahayana Bodhisattva who is the emanation of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. Depicted in Maha Rajalila attitude, he is seated on an Asana which is a plain rectangular throne. The right leg is bent and placed on the seat while the left leg hangs down touching a double lotus pedestal (Dohanian, 1983; Mudiyanse, 1967). The lower garment that has been tightly tied to the hip below the navel extends up to the knee and is decorated with punch-marked circles clustered in groups of three (Dohanian, 1983). The right hand is raised showing the Kataka Mudra while the left hand is placed on the seat giving support to the partially inclined body (Dohanian, 1983). The hair is gathered up into a Jatamakuta and the Yajnopavita is shown across the breast (Mudiyanse, 1967). The loosed hair strands fall on each shoulder and on the back of the head is a rosette (Mudiyanse, 1967). In front of the Jatamakuta is a small niche enclosing the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha (Dohanian, 1983; Mudiyanse, 1967). The eyes are bent towards the ground.

References

1) Dohanian, D.K., 1983. Sinhalese Sculptures in the Pallava Style. Archives of Asian Art, 36, pp.6-21.
2) Mudiyanse, N., 1967. Mahayana Monuments in Ceylon. M.D. Gunasena. pp.46-47.

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Kanugala Tempita Viharaya

Kanugala Tempita Viharaya, also known as Kanugala Pushparama Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: කණුගල පුෂ්පාරාම පුරාණ විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Kanugala village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The temple is believed to have been erected by Prince Virabahu, the son-in-law of King Parakramabahu III (1287-1293 A.D.) of Dambadeniya (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). According to folklore, the village where this temple stands was known as Kanugala because the elephant stable of the kings of Dambadeniya was located in this area (Anuradha & Kumari, 2015).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Kanugala Tempita Viharaya

The Kanugala Tempita Viharaya is built upon 6 short stone pillars placed on a shallow plinth of clay (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory margined by a peripheral wooden handrail and roof-supported columns (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The statues in the sanctum have been renovated at a later period (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The Tempita Vihara in Pushparama Purana Viharaya premises in the Grama Niladhari Division of Wattegedara in Pannala Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 1 November 1996.

References

1) Anuradha, R.K.S.; Kumari, A.S., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Kurunegala Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-37-2. p.81.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.114-115.

3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.

4) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Navinna Tempita Viharaya

Navinna Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Wijayarama Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: නාවින්න ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Navinna village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya in Navinna temple is believed to have been erected during the Kandyan Period.

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Navinna Tempita Viharaya

The Navinna Tempita Viharaya is built upon 24 short stone pillars and the ground floor has been converted into an enclosed space by constructing a short peripheral masonry wall linking some stone pillars around the ambulatory (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).  There are 16 decorated wooden columns and the top of each is end with a Pekada depicting various carvings including human faces, elephants, birds, Bo leaves and lotus flowers (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009). The beam of the roof and the front entry doorway are also decorated with carvings. There is a seated Buddha statue in the sanctum with two standing Buddhas on the left and right. A decorated timber pillar is placed right under the seated Buddha statue to support the weight of the image (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The Tempita Vihara, Bhikku dwellings and ancient parapets of Nawinna Purana Viharaya in the Grama Niladhari Division No. 135-Malwana, in Wariyapola Divisional Secretary’s Division are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 6 June 2008.

References

1) De Silva, N.; Chandrasekara, D.P., 2009. Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka. Colombo: The National Trust Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-955-0093-01-4.  p.30.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.122-123.

3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1553. 6 June 2008. p.531.

4) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Levangama Tempita Viharaya

Levangama Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Sadanandarama Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: ලෙවන්ගම ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Levangama village in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka.

History

Levangama the village where the temple stands was a Gabadagama (a village that supplied for the needs of the royal court) under the rule of Kotte Kings (Bell, 1904). The Tempita Viharaya in this village is believed to have been constructed in 1667 under the sponsorship of Eheliyagoda Disawa and it was renovated in 1830 under the patronage of Mapitigama Adigar (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Levangama Tempita Viharaya

The Levangama Tempita Viharaya is 17 ft. 7 in. in width and 23 ft. in length and has been balanced on 20 short stone pillars (Bell, 1904). The ambulatory of the shrine is as wide as its sanctum and a Mandapa has been attached perpendicular to it later (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum has two entrances indicating features of the image houses of earlier periods. The exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with paintings depicting Jataka tales such as Vessantara, Dharmapala, Dhahamsonda and Maha Kannaka (Bell, 1904). There is a seated Buddha statue (4 ft. by 3 f. 4 in.) in the sanctum with a standing Buddha to the left and right in line (Bell, 1904). Against the left wall a figure of Vishnu and a model of the first Eheliyagoda Disawa in an ordinary Kandyan dress (Bell, 1904). Opposite it, a figure of Saman is found.

A protected site

The Tempita image house on Sri Sadanandarama Purana Viharaya premises situated in Lewangama village in the Ruwanwella Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 8 July 2005.

References

1) Bell, H.C.P., 1904. Report on the Kegalle District of the Province of Sabaragamuwa. Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: XIX-1892. Government Press, Sri Lanka. pp.57-58.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.134-135.

3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1401. 8 July 2005.
4) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Lewke Tempita Viharaya and Walawwa

Lewke Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: ලෙව්කේ ටැම්පිට විහාරය හා වලව්ව) is situated on the premise of Lewke Walawwa in Lewke village in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. This is considered the only Tempita shrine in the country found within a private residential plot of land (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009).

History

Walawwa

Lewke Bandara, a Disawa (governor) of Sathara Korale hailed from a generation of chieftains who had their roots extended to the Dambadeniya Kingdom (Abeyawardana, 2002). During the Kandyan Period, the Maha Disawa position of Sathara Korale was given to Lewke to take the front vanguard in the army of that region (Abeyawardana, 2002). Accordingly, his ancestral home at Galatara in the Galboda Korale was shifted to Lewke village and the parts of this building along with the Tempita Buddha shrine are still visible at the site (Abeyawardana, 2002). The last descendent of the Lewke generation, Lewke Wijayawardana Bandara was executed by King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (1798-1815 A.D.) after his failure to fight the invading English army in 1803 (Abeyawardana, 2002; Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya on the Lewke Walawwa premises is said to have been constructed by Lewke Wijayasundara Bandara Disawa (1740-1751 A.D.) for the personal use of his family (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021; Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Lewke Tempita Viharaya

The Lewke Tempita Viharaya is 5.25 m in length and 4.20 m in width and has been balanced on 19 short stone pillars (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009). The inner and outer walls, door, and door frame have been adorned with paintings depicting Buddhist themes such as Jataka tales and Sath Sathiya (the first seven weeks after the enlightenment). Murals of Lewke Disawa and possibly King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (1798-1815 A.D.) have been painted on the interior walls of the shrine (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021; Wijayawardhana, 2010). A seated Buddha statue is accommodated in the sanctum and a space has been made in front of it to make room for the gathering of family members of the Lewke. The pitched roof of the shrine is covered with flat clay tiles.

The Lewke Tempita Viharaya is an example that shows how the elite of the Kandyan Kingdom adapted the Tempita tradition (buildings on pillars) to build their own household shrines (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). It was restored and conserved in 1997 by the Department of Archaeology (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

A protected site

Lewke Walawwa and the Tempita image house situated in Lewke village in the Mawanella Divisional Secretary’s Division are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 3 September 1999.

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2002. Heritage of Sabaragamuwa: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Sabaragamuwa Development Bank and The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-077-7. p.74.

2) De Silva, N.; Chandrasekara, D.P., 2009. Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka. Colombo: The National Trust Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-955-0093-01-4.  p.32.

3) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.136-137.

4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 3 September 1999.
5) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,291-294.

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Muwapitiya Tempita Viharaya

Muwapitiya Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Sudharmarama Tempita Vihara (Sinhala: මුවපිටිය ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Muwapitiya village in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been constructed during the Kandyan Period (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Muwapitiya Tempita Viharaya

Constructed on an elevated platform of about 3 ft. in height, the Tempita Viharaya of Muwapitiya temple consists of two segments; the shrine and the Mandapa [(the front porch) De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009; Wijayawardhana, 2010]. The shrine has been balanced on 13 short stone pillars 0.75 m in height and the Mandapa has been added to it later. (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009). The shrine is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory and a handrail running around it. The ceiling and interior walls of the shrine are painted with murals depicting Buddhist themes such as Suvisi Vivaranaya (Buddha to be receiving the blessing from 24 previous Buddhas). The shrine houses three Buddha statues; a seated Buddha with standing Buddhas on either side (Bell, 1904). The seated statue is 3 ft. 10 inches in height and is gilt (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

The structure was restored and conserved by the Department of Archaeology in the 1950s during the Buddha Jayanthi (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The ancient Tempita image house in the Sudharmarama Viharaya premises situated in Muwapitiya village in the Rambukkana Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 1 November 1996.

References

1) Bell, H.C.P., 1904. Report on the Kegalle District of the Province of Sabaragamuwa. Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: XIX-1892. Government Press, Sri Lanka. p.37.

2) De Silva, N.; Chandrasekara, D.P., 2009. Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka. Colombo: The National Trust Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-955-0093-01-4.  p.27.

3) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.142-143.

4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.
5) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,245-250.

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Walalgoda Purana Viharaya

Walalgoda Purana Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: වළල්ගොඩ පුරාණ ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Walalgoda village in Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of this temple runs back to the period of the kings of Ruhuna principality of the 3rd century B.C. who reigned from Magama [(present Tissamaharama) Abeyawardana, 2002; Gnanawimala Thera, 1967]. During the 18th century, one of the chapter houses had been located on this Vihara premises (Abeyawardana, 2002). The Tempita Viharaya of this temple was constructed in 1774 by Alahakoon Mudiyanse Rala of Omalpe (the builder of Omalpe Tempita Viharaya ?) and by Valalgoda Gunatilaka Jayawardana Vijayakoon Mudiyanse (Gnanawimala Thera, 1967; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). It is said that Siamese Upali Thera established the Sima (consecrated boundary) for this Viharaya during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha [(1747-1781 A.D.) Gnanawimala Thera, 1967; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021; Wijayawardhana, 2010].

The Walalgoda Pin Pathraya records the meritorious acts performed in connection with the construction of this temple (Abeyawardana, 2002). Also, two records issued in 1774 and 1782 reveal several bestowments made to the temple by local chieftains (Gnanawimala Thera, 1967).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Walalgoda Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya of Walalgoda temple is a two-storey building with an Uposathaghara on the lower level and the sanctum on the upper level (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021; Wijayawardhana, 2010). Both levels have ambulatory around the chambers and a small Mandapa (pavilion) has been built at the entry to the lower level. The main seated Buddha is placed in the sanctum of the upper level and its weight is carried by an extremely thick wall on the lower level (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The exterior and interior walls of the sanctum are painted with murals depicting Buddhist themes such as Jataka tales, 104 Arhats, and the figures of the God Saman, Kataragama, Vishnu and Vibhishana (Abeyawardana, 2002; Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

The paintings of the Walalgoda Tempita Viharaya belong to the Kandyan art tradition and can be compared to those at Omalpe Tempita Viharaya (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The painting style is considered to be of the southern or Ruhunu School as the costumes of figures show European influence (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The ancient Tempita image house in the Walalgoda Purana Viharaya premises situated in the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2002. Heritage of Sabaragamuwa: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Sabaragamuwa Development Bank and The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-077-7. p.35.

2) Gnanawimala Thera, K., 1967. Saparagamu Darshana (In Sinhala). S. Godage Saha Sahodarayo. pp.304-306.

3) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.148-149.

4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.
5) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12,257-263.

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Atupothdeniya Tempita Viharaya

Atupothdeniya Tempita Viharaya, also known as Atupothdeniya Pothgul Viharaya (Sinhala: අටුපොත්දෙණිය ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Atupothdeniya village in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been constructed by the revenue collector of the Hapitigam Korale area during the Dambadeniya Period (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The village Atupothdeniya is said to be the main supplier of Ola leaves that were used for manuscripts during that era (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Atupothdeniya Tempita Viharaya

The rectangular-shaped Tempita Viharaya of Atupothdeniya temple is approximately 35 ft. in length and 13 ft. in width and has been balanced on 21 short stone pillars 2 ft. in height (Chandrasoma, 2013). The sanctum houses a seated Buddha statue, two standing Buddha images and the images of the gods Vishnu and Skanda (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The ancient Tempita image house in the Atupothdeniya Purana Viharaya premises situated in the Mirigama Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

References

1) Chandrasoma, S., 2013. Gampaha Distrikkaye Tempita Vihara (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-9159-85-8. pp.57-62.

2) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.162-163.

3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.
4) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

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Vilayaya Tempita Viharaya

Vilayaya Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: විලයාය ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Dampahala village in Matara District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple is believed to have been constructed in the mid-18th century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Vilayaya Tempita Viharaya

The square-shaped Tempita Viharaya of Vilayaya temple is approximately 6 ft. in length and wide and has been balanced on short stone pillars (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The sanctum houses a seated Buddha statue made of sandalwood and it is surrounded by a narrow ambulatory margined by a short handrail (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The inner walls of the sanctum contain paintings belonging to the 18th century while the exterior walls are decorated with murals done at a later period (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

A protected site

The Tempita image house in the Dampahala, Vilayaya Purana Raja Maha Viharaya premises situated in the Dampahala West Grama Niladhari Division in the Pasgoda Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 24 July 2009.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.158-159.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1612. 24 July 2009. p.1022.
3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

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Watagedara Viharaya

Watagedara Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Sudharshanarama Pothgul Viharaya (Sinhala: වටගෙදර ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Watagedara village in Matara District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya of this temple was constructed by Totagedara Ganinnanse during the reign of King Sri Vijaya Rajasinha [(1739-1747 A.D.) Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021].

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Watagedara Tempita Viharaya

The square-shaped Tempita Viharaya of Watagedara temple has been built on 8 short stone pillars about 2 ft. in height (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The ambulatory has been built on the ground level and the roof in front of the structure extends out than the other three sides to provide shade for the entrance door. The ambulatory is completely enclosed by walls and its outer surfaces have been moulded to form niches and base mouldings (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The entries to the ambulatory and to the Tempita structure are perpendicular to each other.

The outer and inner surfaces of the sanctum's walls are painted with Buddhist themes such as Buddha Charitaya (incidents of the life of Buddha), Suvisi Vivaranaya (Buddha to be receiving the blessing from 24 previous Buddhas).

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.156-157.
2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

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Kotte Christ Church

Christ Church (Sinhala: කෝට්ටේ ක්‍රිස්තු දේවස්ථානය) is an Anglican church located in Kotte in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

History

The idea to construct a new church adjoining the cemetery at the entrance to the Cotta Institute was conceived by J.W. Balding, the superintendent missionary appointed in 1901. He made an appeal to the Church Missionary Society to raise funds for this project and it was supported by the Metropolitan of Calcutta and the Bishop of Colombo. As a result, Balding was able to raise Rs. 13,000 before he left the District in 1914.

In 1920, G.A. Purser assumed duties as the superintendent missionary and the project work was continued again during his tenure of office. Funds collected by his predecessors were utilized for that and on 9 December 1922, the foundation stone for the new Church was laid by Bishop E.A. Copleston. The architecture for the church building was on the lines of the Presbyterian Church at Reagent Street in Colombo and the designs were provided by Claessaen of the Government factory.

The construction work of the church was completed in 1923 during the tenure of A.C Houlder, the new superintendent missionary who was appointed after Purser who left the country in March 1923. 

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Maliyadda Tempita Viharaya

Maliyadda Tempita Viharaya, also known as Sri Sudarshanarama Viharaya (Sinhala: මාලියද්ද ටැම්පිට විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Maliyadda village in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka.

History

This temple is believed to be a monastery of forest-dwelling monks since the Dambadeniya Period (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The Tempita Viharaya was constructed at the site during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha [(1747-1782 A.D.) Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021].

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and they form the main enclosed shrine room containing the Buddhist sculptures and murals belonging to the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Maliyadda Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya of Maliyadda temple has been built on 24 short stone pillars grouped together in fours to support the four corners and the middle of the sides of the structure (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). A narrow ambulatory without a wall or handrail runs around the shrine room and the total structure is sheltered by a single-pitched hipped roof.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.140-141.
2) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

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Muruddeniya Tempita Viharaya

Muruddeniya Tempita Viharaya (Sinhala: මුරුද්දෙණිය ටැම්පිට විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Muruddeniya in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

The Tempita Viharaya at Muruddeniya temple is said to have been constructed in the mid-18th century under the patronage of Weliwita Saranankara Thera [(1698-1778 A.D.) Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021].

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and they form the main enclosed shrine room containing the Buddhist sculptures and murals belonging to the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Muruddeniya Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya of Muruddeniya temple is a rectangular building with a narrow ambulatory around it (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The raised shrine room has been balanced on 23 short stone pillars and the original wooden stairway provided to enter the shrine is now replaced with a masonry flight of steps (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The ambulatory is enclosed with a timber wall.

A protected site

The Tampita Viharaya at Kandepitiya Viharaya situated in Muruddeniya village in Hatharaliyadda Divisional Secretary Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

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Attribution

1) LankaPradeepa.com would like to thank Vishwa Sri Jayasinghe for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.82-83.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.
3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. pp.12.

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Seegala Purana Viharaya

Seegala Purana Viharaya, also known as Seehala Viharaya (Sinhala: සීගල පුරාණ විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated near Udakiriwila Wewa in Weeraketiya in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of Seegala Viharaya runs back to the pre-Chritian era. It is said that this temple was established during the reign of King Saddhatissa (137-119 B.C.) by a provincial governor named Girikandha (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The Tempita Viharaya was constructed at the site by a local chieftain in the mid-eighteen century (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021).

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and they form the main enclosed shrine room containing the Buddhist sculptures and murals belonging to the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Seegala Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya of Seegala temple has been built on about 17 short stone pillars. The walls of the sanctum where the main Buddha image is placed are taller than the peripheral walls of the narrow ambulatory that runs around the sanctum (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The structure has a two-tiered hip roof, one for the sanctum and one for the ambulatory. The outer surface of the peripheral walls is moulded to create decorative niches while the outer walls of the sanctum are adorned with a Makara-torana (dragon arch), Jataka stories, and images of gods (Silva & Chandrasekara, 2021). The inner walls of the sanctum are painted with Arhats carrying flowers.

A small Mandapa consisting of four stone pillars has been built in front of the Tempita building.

A protected site

The Tempita Vihara within the precincts of Weeraketiya Seehala Purana Vihara situated within the Grama Niladhari Division of Buddhiyagama East in the Weeraketiya Divisional Secretary Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 6 June 2008.

References

1) Silva, K.D. and Chandrasekara, D.P., 2021. The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press. pp.154-155.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1553. 6 June 2008. p.523.

3) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

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This page was last updated on 10 March 2023

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Christ Church College (Matale)

Christ Church College (Sinhala: මාතලේ ක්‍රිස්තුදේව ජාතික පාසල) is a government mixed school situated in Matale, Sri Lanka. Controlled by the Kurunegala Archdiocese, it is considered the first English school belonging to the Anglican Church (Abeywardana, 2004).

History

The college was established in 1864 and a vernacular school was also established on the same premises later providing education in English to students of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim. In 1912, the Boys Scout Movement was established due to the efforts of R.G. Stevenson, the District Engineer of Matale (Abeywardana, 2004).

Notable alumni

#) Don Stephen Senanayake: First Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1947-1952)

#) William Gopallawa - First President of Sri Lanka (1972–1978)

#) H.B. Udurawana: Diyawadana Nilame (1964-1975)

Facilities

At present, the school has common facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, a playground etc. It is the first school in the country that commenced Hockey.

References

1) Abeywardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka.  pp.137-138.

Location Map

This page was last updated on 9 March 2023

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