Have you ever wondered why this ancient temple, the Yatihalagala Rajamaha Viharaya, is so special? It is said that King Devanam Piyatissa of the Anuradhapura period planted one of the first saplings from the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree here. This means that the Yatihalagala Rajamaha Viharaya was the place where the first Buddhists in Sri Lanka started to spread their faith. Over the years, this temple has held great cultural and historical importance. The Yatihalagala Rajamaha Viharaya was not only a place of worship but also a center of learning. King Parakrama Bahu the Second commissioned the construction of a beautiful reclining Buddha statue in a nearby cave. This cave, known as the gigantic rock outcrop, gave the temple its name. The name “Yatihalagala” comes from the Sinhala word “Yati” meaning “monk” and “Halagala” meaning “big rock.”
In the past, many other temples were under the administration of the Yatihalagala temple. The most important were the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara and the Magul Maha Vihara. Today, the Yatihalagala Rajamaha Viharaya is considered a sacred area. The government has invested money in restoring the temple and creating modern facilities. The Dayakas, the temple’s benefactors, have donated resources to beautify the temple grounds. You can see a golden fence surrounding the Bodhi tree and a Samadhi Buddha statue under its shade. The cavern formed by four granite boulders has been transformed into a meditation hall where a granite Samadhi Buddha statue stands. The Yatihalagala Rajamaha Viharaya is not just a temple; it is a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka’s incredible history and tradition, and it continues to provide a spiritual anchor to the local people. It’s definitely worth visiting and experiencing this ancient place for yourself.
Hanthana Broadcasting Station
How about stepping back in time to the pioneering days of radio broadcasting right here at Hanthana Broadcasting Station? This