Hittetiya Rajamaha Vihara

The location of the viharaya is on Hittetiya along Matara-Akuressa road, 2 km away from Nupe junction. This Vihara has become famous during recent times as the place where Anagarika Dharmapala, one of Sri Lanka's distinguished national heroes, received his basic education.

Floods around 1760 destroyed the original Vihara of Hittetiya, and the present Vihara is a later construction. Although there are no structures dating from the 18th century at this temple, there are Ola leaf manuscripts and other documents regarding gifts to the Vihara from the 18th century.

None of the original paintings remains today. The residence of the monks was constructed more than 100 years ago using limestone. It has a verandah in front and at the back with wooden pillars on stone bases.

The library or the 'Potgula' was constructed in 1915 in typical British period style with lattice, valance boards and ornamental carvings above the doors and the windows. According to the Pin Pota, Mudliyar David de Saram was one of the greatest patrons of this Vihara during the latter part of the 18th century and till his death, which occurred in 1815.

(Heritage of Ruhuna by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P74)

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Hiththatiya Rajamaha Viharaya

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