Maha Visnu Devale, Hanguranketa

In between the old palace site and the new Viharaya is the Maha Visnu Devale, commonly known as Maha Devale, built by Narendrasingha. It has a long hall and a sanctum. On the basement are the figures of stick dancers right round. A stone pillar depicting the Pancanari Ghataya-a traditional art design of a pot with the figures of five women is still to be seen behind the main devale. The beautiful moonstones and the precious Devaraja petikade of God, and along ceiling cloth or Viyana are among some of the valuables preserved here. Many folk tales and legends about the kings and their times at Hanguranketa are narrated by the older villagers, and they are fascinating to listen to.

The Diyathilaka mountain, which rises majestically behind this ancient city, is witness to its past glory. This mountain, it is said, was scaled by Wimaladharmasuriya II.

A small shrine dedicated to Devata Bandara stands behind the Visnu Devale.

(Kandy by Prof. Anuradha Seneviratna Central Cultural Fund P:142)

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Maha Vishnu Devalaya Hanguranketha

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