Kinihirikanda Raja Maha Viharaya Kinihirikanda Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: කිණිහිරිකන්ද රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Medawewa near Kekirawa in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. History Locals attribute the establishment of this temple to King Valagamba (103, 88-77 B.C.). Inscriptions and other archaeological evidence discovered at the site indicate that this monastery dates back to the early Anuradhapura Period . A pillar inscription which was discovered on this premises records a decree issued by King Udaya II (887-898 A.D.) of Anuradhapura and it registers certain immunities granted in respect of a village named Ud-tambagamuwa (Ranawella, 2001). The temple underwent a major renovation during the 17-18 centuries, probably during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha ( 1747-1781 A.D. ) of Kandy (Ranawella, 2001). Kinihirikanda is a rock and the temple is located at its eastern foot. The monastery comprises an image house having an 18-cubit reclining Buddha statue and some paintings similar to the lesser …
