Raja Maha Viharaya

Did you ever hear of a temple named after a village? Raja Maha Viharaya, originally known as Dharmakirthi Viharaya, eventually took the name of its locale, the village of Gadaladeniya. Located just 18km from Kandy and 6km from Peradeniya, Raja Maha Viharaya sits atop Diggala Rock in Pilimathalawa. Commissioned by King Buwanekabahu IV in 1344, its design is a fascinating blend of Dravidian architecture, with hints of Sinhalese influence from the Polonnaruwa era and Indo-Chinese elements. The architect, a South Indian named Ganesvarachari, left his unique mark on this granite marvel. Raja Maha Viharaya is renowned for its stunning medieval paintings. These vibrant artworks are considered some of the best examples from that period. The main structure of the temple is entirely crafted from sculpted granite. The two shikharas, or towers, are made of brick and rest upon a massive stone slab. A makara thorana, a dragon’s arch, guards the entrance to the main shrine. This ornate arch is adorned with figures of Hindu deities, reflecting the complex religious tapestry of Sri Lanka. Inside, a seated Buddha statue is surrounded by four standing statues. Adjacent to the main shrine, you’ll find a devale, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu holds a special place of reverence in Sri Lankan Buddhism, believed to be the island’s protector after Buddha’s passing. Another shrine, the Vijayothpaya, or Vijayantha Prasada, stands nearby. Named after Indra’s palace, this stupa is believed to have been constructed by King Parakramabahu V and sits on a rock, its square roof held up by four stone pillars. Four identical stupas encircle it, each with its own shrine room and seated Buddha statue. Two more intriguing structures grace the temple grounds, each featuring sandakada pahana, or moonstones, at their entrances. These structures are richly carved with images of drummers, dancers, wrestlers, and lotus petals. A final unique feature of Raja Maha Viharaya is found in its mandapaya: the three-sided twin pillars. These distinctive pillars are only found in one other temple, located in Yapahuwa.