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.
Historical sites in this sacred area
- The Poya House
- Pothgula
- Bo Tree
- Malimahapaya
- Stone Seat
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