Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharava - Dimbulagala

The beautiful hilly range » Dimbulagala is located about 12 miles to the east of Polonnaruwa and on the east of the Mahaweli. The ancient Pali texts refer to this range as Udumbara - Giri, 'Udumbara' is a name for wood apples, and 'giri' means hills. This area was once known as a kingdom of the Yakkha's, then the kingdom of a prince clever in war, then a sacred area, and a Maha Viharaya + an abode of so many sacred beings. With the fall of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, this was covered by thick forests devoid of its settlers. It is said that Prince bone, Pandukabhaya, son of Unmadachitra, lived in the stone cave here with Swarnapali and was accorded much hospitality by Chitraraja. Before he ascended the throne and made Anuradhapura his abode had lived here for many years. after him, Mutasiva, his son by Swarnapali, became king. Mutasiva was followed by his son Devanapiyatissa. It is said that Arahat Mahinda arrived on the Island during his reign in BCE 247. From all this, it becomes clear how important Dimbulagala is to us in tracing the lives of our ancient kings and their survival even under difficult circumstances. The late Sangha Nayaka Most Ven. Kithalagama Seelalankara Maha Thera reconstructed Dimbulagala until he was assassinated by the Tamil Terrorists a few years ago and was the protector of the Viharaya. He was an unprejudiced Bhikkhu of compassion who tried to rise above petty communal rivalries and develop Dimbulagala once again into a historical city and a religious place both for the laity and clergy irrespective of any differences.

(Heritage Lanka by Neil Kiriella 2017, P179

Unique Sri Lanka

Dimbulagala Raja maha Viharaya

CONTACT US

Email: info@virandesilva.com

CONNECT WITH US