Ramukkana Raja Maha Viharaya (Bandaragama)

Ramukkana Viharaya is an ancient temple where a 1st–2nd century inscription about two Bhanaka monks was found, showing its early Buddhist roots.
Ramukkana Viharaya
Ramukkana Viharaya Slab Inscription

Ramukkana Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: රමුක්කන රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhiat temple situated in Bandaragama in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of Ramukkana Viharaya is obscure as the temple's name isn't mentioned in ancient texts. However, it gained archaeological importance in 1997 when renovation work led to the discovery of an ancient slab inscription belonging to the period between 1st to 2nd century A.D. Only a fragment of the inscription has survived, leaving its full message uncertain. It refers to two "Bhanaka monks" who are believed to have skilled in orally preserving the Dhamma before it was written down, particularly during the era of King Valagamba (103, 89-77 B.C.) of Anuradhapura. These monks belonged to different groups, each specializing in memorizing parts of the Sutta Pitaka, such as the Dīgha, Majjhima, Saṃyutta, Aṅguttara, and Khuddaka Nikayas. The inscription at Ramukkana identifies two Bhanakas associated with the Saṃyutta Nikaya.

Slab Inscription

This inscribed slab is found preserved on the temple premises.

Period: 1st-2nd century A.D.                  Script: Late Brahmi                  Language: Old Sinhala
Content: This inscription mentions about a Samyutta Bhanaka monk named Mahacitta of a Maha Vihara and a Samyutta Bhanaka monk of another monastery.
References: The information board at the site by the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of Higher Education & Cultural Affairs.

A Protected Site

The two ancient stone seats/slabs and other architectural remnants on the premises of Ramukkana Rajamaha Vihara, situated in Ramukkana village in the Raigam Korale belonging to the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Bandaragama are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government gazette notification published on 24 May 1968.

Related Posts

Read Also

References

Government Gazette Notifications

1) The Government Gazette Notification. No: 14803. 24 May 1968.

Location Map

Dynamic Google Map

Attribution

To Whom

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.

Post a Comment

Cookie Consent
We serve cookies on this site to analyze traffic, remember your preferences, and optimize your experience.
Oops!
It seems there is something wrong with your internet connection. Please connect to the internet and start browsing again.
AdBlock Detected!
We have detected that you are using adblocking plugin in your browser.
The revenue we earn by the advertisements is used to manage this website, we request you to whitelist our website in your adblocking plugin.
Site is Blocked
Sorry! This site is not available in your country.