Dangara Kadulla Ambalama (Sinhala: නැලව දඟරකඩුල්ල අම්බලම) is an old resting house located on the wayside of Pannala-Muruthawa road in Nelawa village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. The ancient Periyakadu Raja Maha Viharaya is situated about 700 m west of this Ambalama.
History
Ambalamas served as essential resting spots erected by locals for weary travellers journeying to far-off destinations. They were also used as a place for people to gather, hold meetings and serve as a public place in society. Throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, these structures were dispersed across the country. The Ambalama at Nelawa is believed to be one such structure built in the past.
The Structure
Among the other Ambalamas scattered across the country, the Ambalama at Nelawa holds a unique distinction with its hexagonal ground plan. Noteworthy for its architectural features, the roof boasts a hexagonal shape with two decks, supported by six pairs of circular columns. The roof is covered with calicut clay tiles.
Attribution
#) LankaPradeepa.com extends its gratitude to Ven. Ankumbure Chandananda Thero for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.