The ancient Balapokuna Rajamaha Vihara, situated in Kirulapone, in the outskirts of Colombo, is one of the least-known temples of Sri Lanka. It can be easily reached by travelling on High-Level Road and taking the left fork that leads to Balapokuna Road,

The temple was constructed in the Kotte period, during the reign of King Parakramabahy VI (1415 - 1469), when religious fervour had risen to great heights, establishing many Buddhist temples around the country.

Situated on a large extent of land at one of the highest points in the city, the temple soon became a holy site. Unusual for Colombo, a massive rock with a natural pond occupied the temple premises. This hillock had once been used by the king's army for defence—purposes, hence the name Balapokuna (the pond of the army). The pond is widely believed to possess miraculous powers and is worshipped as an abode of the dei Dadimunna.

The area between the temple premises and another hillock close to it today is named Balahenmulla, meaning 'area of the soldiers.' It is assumed that while the forward defence line was stationed here, sentries had been stationed on the hillocks to protect the perimeters. It is also believed that the exit point of a secret tunnel was at the temple. In contrast, the entry point was close to the ambalama at Etul Kotte junction, which is visible today.

The invading Portuguese and Dutch destroyed the temple during various historical periods, leaving very few original features behind. The only remaining structure is a devale built in honour of the deity Dadimunna. It has been venerated with fervour even up to the present times.

The present structures were built at a much later date (approximately 80 years ago) with the participation of devotees. A new stupa now rises majestically above tall trees.

Neatly kept pathways lead the visitor to the shrine room, housing several striking images of the standing Buddha in the Abhaya mudra (dispelling fear) and the sitting Buddhas in the bhumisparsa mudra (calling the earth to witness). Of particular interest is the Buddha under a brightly painted naga. The walls within have bright paintings of recent origin, depicting stories from the Buddha's life. The floral motifs on the ceiling have been beautifully executed.

People around the area have encroached on large extents of land that once belonged to the temple. It has now been reduced to a much smaller extent but still retains an air of serenity. The ancient pond helps keep the entire complex cool and balmy. The whole atmosphere lends itself to solitude and meditation.

(A Short Guide to Some Less Visited Temples in Sri Lanka by Malika Jayasinghe 2015. P44 )

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Balapokuna Purana Viharaya at Kirulapone

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