Morape Subhadrarama Vihara Complex

This vihara is situated at a distance of 12 km. along the Ulapane Pussellawa road. There are two shrine rooms separated by one wall. One of them accommodates a standing Buddha image and the other, two seated Buddha images. To its left is a figure of Deity Saman. There is a Makara archway above the seated Buddha image at the centre.

There are six figures of deities on the eight corners of the archway. The deities represented are Devol, Ganesha, Sakra, Isvara, Kataragama, Suniyam and Saman.

This vihara is about 300 years old. The devala is associated with Deity Henakanda Biso Bandara.

There is a rich folk tradition about the origin and development of this devala. Deity Henakanda Biso Bandara born out of a Beli fruit in Udunuwara had been living in the Sindura mountains in Yatinuwara. Deity Kataragama fell in love with her and was living close to Ambekke during this period. In order to meet Deity Henakanda Biso Bandara, he had built this devala and had lived there. The origin of the word is linked with the offering of charmed Mora fruits.

Several festivals are conducted in this devala. Those include the offering of rice from the new harvest, Nadnu Mura festival at the dawn of the New Year, festivals connected with the Sinhala New Year and during the full-moon (in November),

A Perahera is held during the month of Esala. The water-cutting ceremony is also performed along with the other Develas in the area. This devala is situated in close proximity to Subhadrarama vihara at Morape.

Kadadora Udugabbala Devala This devala was found in the village of Kadadora 9 kms. Along Ulapane ~Pussellawa road. The ancient devala is no longer functioning. It has gone into ruin at present. This shrine had received recognition as the headquarters of Deity Wiramunda. The lands allotted to the devala for various services are now being enjoyed as private lands by the former tenants.

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P230 )

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Morape Sri Kataragama Devalaya

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