Hendeniya Rajamaha Viharaya

This Rajamaha-vihara, situated in the Hendeniya village, is famous for the three shrines belonging to Gampola - Kandy and modern periods.

Two routes are leading to the site. The most popular route is Peradeniya—Gampola road turning at Penideniya proceeding two kilometres along Penideniya Embilgama road via Dawulagala. The Vihara can be seen on the summit of a rock to the right.

This was initially constructed in a natural cave by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, one of Wickramabahu III of Gampola. During recent times new Buddhist paintings have been drawn over the ancient murals. An old Buddha image made out of stone is still available. The shrine room constructed in 1812 during the Kandy period is found to the west of the cave temple. Paintings and sculptures of the Kandyan period can be seen in this Vihara. The Department of Archaeology has conserved them.

Hendeniya modern temple

This Vihara has been set up in the cave renovated newly by the late Ven. Abanwela Gunaratne, about 50 years ago. The present incumbent Ven. Abanwela Jinaratana was instrumental in the addition of paintings and sculptures. The style of the Buddhist murals in the Kelaniya Temple have been adopted in this Vihara.

There is evidence to prove that the original Vihara had received endowments from King Sénasammata Wickramabahu.

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P78,79)

Unique Sri Lanka

Hendeniya Rajamaha Viharaya

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