Ramukkana Viharaya is an ancient temple where a 1st–2nd century inscription about two Bhanaka monks was found, showing its early Buddhist roots.
Ramukkana Raja Maha Viharaya (Bandaragama) R amukkana 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. …
