Wattarama Sri Arahantha Maliyadeva Rajamaha Viharaya

Wattarama Sri Arahantha Maliyadeva Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the Kegalle District of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. The last great Arahant of the Buddha Sasana, Arahant Wanagupta Maliyadeva, and 500 other Arahants who were the crown jewels of Sathkorala lived in this sacred place. Historical information as well as genealogical records and archaeological records as well as information on ruins and inscriptions scattered throughout the area indicate that this land has a long history dating back to the Anuradhapura era. This temple is located about 8.5 Km from Kegalle town and about 4.5 Km from Polgahawela near the main road. This sacred place of historical and archaeological value is revered by local and foreign Buddhists.

History has it that during the reign of King Pathis II, the area was inhabited by the Naga tribes. For the same reason, King Pathis II had to revive Buddhism with Vattarama as its center. One of the branches that emerged after the planting of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in the Mahamevna Uyana in Anuradhapura has been planted in Wattarama Maliyamahapaya. Wattarama Vihara was known by various names in the past. In the early days, it was known as Chandrarakanthipura and later as Thalawathupitiya.

This place is also known as Wattarama as there are thousands of monasteries around it. The Pali commentary also mentions the name as Kalala Grama Mandalaramaya. It is said that from the beginning it was famous as a monastery where Arahants lived.

The history of Wattarama seems to have improved as well as deteriorated over time. Wijesundera Lewke Adhikaram, who ruled the Kegalle District at that time around 1744 AD, took action to develop this temple. The old Vihara Mandiraya and murals believed to have been made by him reflect the talents of the Kandy artists. Ven. Pethiyagoda Sri Dhammapala Vipassi, Godigamuwe Sri Ratanapala and Medagama Gunaratana Theras who used to work at the Wattarama Temple in the past have developed and maintained this temple in a prosperous condition.