“What secrets do these ancient stones hold?” I ask. Today, we explore the Thotadeniya Temple. It is a place where history whispers and faith resonates.
Thotadeniya Temple’s story stretches back centuries. Its origins are linked to King Devanampiyatissa. His brother, Prince Mahanaga, is said to have established this sacred site. Originally known as Titthagama Viharaya, it was believed to house five hundred Arhats. It then became known as “Rathpath Vehera”.
King Vijayabahu I of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom recognized the temple’s importance. He built an educational center here called Vijayaba Pirivena. Later, King Parakramabahu IV restored the Pirivena. He also cultivated a Neralu garden for the temple.
The Kotte period marked a golden age for Thotadeniya Temple. Under Thotagamuwa Sri Rahula Thera’s guidance, the Pirivena became a renowned academy. Sri Rahula Thera was a master of six oriental languages. He earned the title “Shad Bhasha Parameshwara”. He authored famous works like Parevi Sandeshaya and Selalihini Sandeshaya here. King Parakramabahu VI supported the temple.
But this golden era ended with Sri Rahula Thera’s death. The Portuguese invasions of 1588 brought a dark age. They destroyed many Buddhist temples. Thotadeniya Temple was among those burned.
In 1765, Pallaththara Punnasara Thera initiated a renaissance. Since then, it has remained a temple belonging to the Malwatta Chapter. Most of the current monuments were built during King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe’s reign. They were constructed on the ruins left by the Portuguese. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera, a revered monk, joined the order here.
Look around at the pillar inscriptions. They offer glimpses into the past. Four short inscriptions name donors of stone pillars for an ancient building. These pillars date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Another fragmentary inscription mentions Thotagamuwa Sri Rahula Thera.
Notice the two image houses or Vihara-ge shrines. The first was built in 1779. Its vestibule displays Kandyan period paintings. Master painters Kadolgalle Maha Sittara and Podda Sittara created them. The second image house was constructed in 1805. It is one of the first shrines built under colonial influence. Its paintings represent low country art. The statue of Ananga is unique.
Observe the Devalaya shrines dedicated to God Visnu and God Kataragama. The Visnu Devalaya features a seated Visnu sculpture. His feet are in Veerasana position. He holds a conch and a discus. The Kataragama Devalaya reflects post-Kandyan art.
Consider the Avasa-ge building or monks dwelling. It shows Dutch architectural features. It was built in 1780 after the Portuguese destroyed the old dwelling. The Sanghika Treasury building stored public offerings for monks. It was bestowed to the temple in 1845.
The Stupa, shaped like a bubble, was built in 1781. It was renovated in 1897. The Dhamma-sala or preaching hall rests on short stone pillars.
Thotadeniya Temple is a protected site. Its ancient shrines, Chaitya, Chapter House, and monk residences are safeguarded. The preaching hall, Bo tree retaining wall, and Devala buildings are preserved. The ruins and scattered archaeological evidence are also protected.
As we conclude our visit, remember Thotadeniya Temple’s resilience. It rose from ashes. It became a beacon of learning. It continues to inspire. Let us carry its story. Let us respect its legacy.