. 54. The ancient Buddhist shrine and drip ledged rock cave situated in Kobbekaduwa Raja Maha Vihara premises in Kobbekaduwa Grama Niladhari Division in Yatinuwara Divisional Secretary’s Division, in Kandy District, Central Province The site was designated as an Archaeological Protected Monument by Government Gazette notification. No: 1553 published on 6 June 2008.

Kobbekaduwa Vihara Kobbekaduwa vihara and walavwa are located in the village of Kobbekaduwa. Access to the Place is along the Kandy—Colombo road up to Eriyagama taking the turn at Polgahamulla junction, proceeding a short distance along Aladeniya road, and travelling along the Hataradeniya road, passing a place known as Kambi Adiya. According to local tradition, this Vihara had been established as a private shrine to serve the Queen of Buwanakabahu IV of Gampola. A reference occurring in the Kobbekaduwa tudapata records that this Vihara has been offered to Wijayabahu thero during the time of Sénasammatha Wickremab4hu and later to another monk Venerable Kobbekaduwa Srinivasa by King Wimaladharmasuriya I. The history of the Vihara, therefore, dates back to the Gampola period. The Vihara had been constructed on a raised platform stretching from the east to the west. A small temple is found to the west. This is similar in appearance to the stone-built viharas in Sellawali and Palkumbura. The lower part of the building conforms to Hindu architectural designs. Apart from the projecting pillars, there are several large square pillars supporting the Vihara. These features depict the architecture of the Gampola period. Paintings in the small temple have been repaired subsequently. There is a small statue kept underneath a Makara Torana (Arch). The Vihara owns a large extent of highland and paddy land. Venerable Kobbekaduwe Srinivasa of this Vihara was the first monk to receive the higher ordination at the ceremony conducted by Ven. Upali in 1753. (Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P89)

Unique Sri Lanka

Kobbekaduwa Raja Maha Vihara premises in Kobbekaduwa Grama Niladhari Division in Yatinuwara Divisional Secretary’s Division, in Kandy District, Central Province

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