MUWAPITIYA TAMPITA VIHARAYA

The Muwapitiya Tempita Vihara is situated on the Maha-oya road, off the Kegalle and Rambukkana high way.

As the original art and architecture of the Muwapitiya Tempita Vihara are mainly related to the Kandyan period, it may be assumed that it was built during that period.

The building is in two segments. The entrance "Porch" is at a lower level than the shrine area.

The innermost shrine area is surrounded by a thick wall and at the extreme end is a seated Buddha statue. The Tampita Vihara stands on twenty-five stone pillars that are slightly irregular in shape.

The walls are constructed out of wattle and daub, and at present, it is lime washed. There are paintings on the walls of the shrine, and the sculptures are of very high quality. There is also a "Soovisi Viwarana' painting on the ceiling.

The timber used in construction is of very thick sections of "Jack", "Mahogani", and "Nadun", which are heavy, solid and gives a majestic appearance. The hip roof is covered with fiat Clay tiles, which have been laid in a rhythmical pattern.

The Muwapitiya Vihara was renovated by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka during the nineteen fifties (during the Buddha Jayanthiya) when Ven. Waduwamulla Sunanda thero was the Chief Priest of the temple. During the renovation, a great effort had been taken to retain the original character and the quality of the paintings, but still some changes had occurred.

(Architecture of Tampita Viharas in Sri Lanka by D. P. Chandrasekara and D. M. K. D. Silva, 2002)

Unique Sri Lanka

Muwapitiya Sri Sudharmarama Tampita Viharaya

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