Godawaya Gotapabbata Rajamaha Vihara

This is a beautiful temple situated on a rocky cliff by the side of the sea near Ambalantota. This was a temple that received the patronage of Sri Lankan kings, as did many other important temples elsewhere. It became historically and archaeologically important since the only record and evidence of an ancient Port at Ambalantota where the river Walawe joins the sea is found. There is a two-line inscription carved on the rock on which the temple is situated, which records that King Gamini Abhaya donated the customs duties of the Godapavata Port to the temple.

The inscription script has been dated to be 1st or 2nd century AD; the King Gamini Abhaya mentioned here is believed to be Gajabahu IJ (112-134 AD) or Amanda Gamini Abhaya (22-31 AD). This is the only concrete evidence of an ancient port in this area found so far. The Sri Lanka Archaeology Department with a German Archaeological team, are engaged in excavations around the temple, looking for evidence of the Port.

The Roman and other foreign coins found at this site seem to point out that it was an important trade centre. Although the inscription is dated to be 1st or 2nd century AD, it is believed that this temple was built with the patronage of King Gotabhaya of Ruhuna, grandfather of King Dutugemunu, thus giving it the name ‘Gotapabbata’. The ancient temple had many buildings as proved by the pillars and bases, which added strength to the brick monuments, as well as the rock pools, etc. There is a stupa at the highest point of the rock which was renovated around 1920 AD. A new Preaching Hall and a residence had been built in the 1930s, where the present incumbents live.

(Heritage of Ruhuna by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P115)

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Godawaya Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

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