Uththara Saliya Sri Dalada Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: උත්තර සාලිය ශ්රී දළදා රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated on the northern edge of Puliyankulama Wewa near Saliyapura Railway Station in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka.
History
Although there is no firm and authentic evidence, locals link the history of this site to the time of King Devanampiyatissa (247-207 B.C.) of Anuradhapura. It is believed that Devanampiyatissa established this temple after introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arhat Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century B.C. The temple was refurbished by Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu (161-137 B.C.). According to traditional belief, the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is said to have been placed here temporarily on the way it was brought from Lankapatuna Port to Anuradhapura by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha during the reign of King Kitsirimeghavanna (301-328 A.D.).
The temple is believed to have been destroyed and went to ruins due to the invasions that mainly came from South India in the latter part of the Anuradhapura Period. The present temple at the site was established in the 20th century by Buddhist monks with the support of villagers. Some of the stone artefacts including pieces of Buddha statues, Siri Pathul Gal and stone pillars containing inscriptions have been preserved within the temple premises today.
Attribution
#) LankaPradeepa.com extends its gratitude to Lalith Kekulthotuwage for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.
