With a rich past linked to numerous historical events, the Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya offers many insights into an ancient era.
As we drove through south-eastern Sri Lanka on our way back to Colombo, leaving behind the salterns of Hambantota, a barely noticeable right turn at a fork on the motorway led us on the Ranna-Weeraketiya road. Soon we were enveloped in endless vistas of dry zone vegetation and that lush shade of green quite unique to paddy fields. It was a panorama that was only momentarily interrupted by the construction work on the southern expressway’s extension heading towards Hambantota. Shortly thereafter, upon reaching Udayala, we came upon the Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya.
We entered through the ornamental structure known as the thorana. The temple grounds were filled with large trees, the air was still, and the entire space had a noble atmosphere. Something about the aura of the site had hushed us to silence. We found ourselves stepping onto a pathway flanked on either side by numerous seated Buddha statues. A closer look revealed that the statues represented and paid homage to the 28 Buddhas who have existed thus far as related in the Buddhavamsa, and the trees under which each Buddha had attained enlightenment. Every corresponding tree had taken root and was flourishing behind the respective Buddha statue.
Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya traces its origins back to the time of the Anuradhapura era during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign. Many monarchs, including Kavan Tissa, Saddha Tissa, Dutugemunu, Vijayabahu I and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe, are known to have contributed to the upkeep and development of the premises. Many improvements made during Kirti Sri Rajasinghe’s reign has lent the temple architectural elements from the Kandyan era, as witnessed in the beautifully designed sanghavasa and several other buildings.
Pathway leading between 28 Buddha statues towards the heart of the temple with the museum run by the Archaeological Department on the right
The Bodhi tree at Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya is recognised as one of the dhethispala ruha bodhi planted by King Devanampiyatissa. These are the 32 offshoots of the ashtapala ruha (eight plants). These ashtapala ruha bodhi had grown out of the sacred Bo sapling that was carried to the island from the Sri Maha Bodhi or Sacred Fig under which Gautama the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Main Entrance of The Temple
Samadhi Buddha statue built facing the main entrance
Seen from the top of the rock are the pond and protected stone inscriptions
Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya is also famous for having been the temporary abode of the sacred tooth relic when it was moved within the country for protection from invading foreign forces. When it was relocated, a replica made of gemstone was deposited in its place at the temple. The slab of rock, which had once concealed the sacred tooth relic when it was buried in the earth, now rests on bricks to save it from damage. An annual Dalada Perahera that was conducted in ancient times was restored at Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya about 20 years ago.
Stupa believed to have been built in the era of King Saddha Tissa
Granite slab that shielded the sacred tooth relic
Stone pillar where the Kadol Atha was tethered
A rampart surrounds the grounds of the former palace that later became a monastery. Structures believed to have once belonged to the former palace, archaeologically identified as such, could still be seen within this ancient citadel.
Chaitya on top of a rock believed to have been constructed during King Dutugemunu’s reign
Ancient stone pillars believed to have once been a part of a kuti used by arahants
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