Peellawela Purana Viharaya, Hambantota: over 100‑year‑old Tempita Viharaya with Buddha statue, Bodhi tree, and protected as an archaeological site.
Peellawela Tempita Viharaya P eellawela Purana Viharaya (Sinhala: පීල්ලවෙල පුරාණ විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated near Weeraketiya in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. The temple is notable for its Tempita Viharaya which is believed to have been erected more than 100 years ago. Tempita Viharaya Tempita Viharas were popular in many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period . These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and form the main enclosed shrine room containing Buddhist sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010). Peelawela Tempita Viharaya The Tempita Viharaya of Peellawela temple is enclosed …
