Pokunuvita Rajamaha Vihara is also know as KITHSIRIMEVAN RAJAMAHA VIHARA and Gale Pansala

The Vihara is Situated in an appealing environment which is 100m along Welikela road commencing at Pokunuvita junction on the Colombo-Horana highway.

The origin of this Vihara dates back to the Polonnaruwa period. The Vihara gained prominence during the days of Raigam Bandara. The sculptures famous in this Vihara are similar to the Gal Vihara statues at Polonnaruwa. It is the general belief that these sculptures, too, were done by the same artists. The shrine room accommodated on the summit of the rock contains several Buddhist paintings and sculptures. Admission to the Vihara is from two entrances.

A beautifully carved Makara Torana is found at the main entrance. The sculptures and illustrations belong to the Kandy period. The well excavated about 19 feet below the compound, and the pond below it has gone dry. The Pokunuvita Vihara is considered the main temple in the locality.

Source: Heritage of Sabaragamuwa by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana

The site was designated as an Archaeological Protected Monument by Government Gazette notification. No: 1553 published on 6 June 2008.

234. The ancient Buddha shrine, the Bhikku dwelling and the restricted Bhikku activities hall in the Pokunuwita Rajamaha vihare precincts in the Grama Niladhari Division No. 608- Pokunuwita, in the Horana Divisional Secretary’s Division in Kalutara District, Western Province

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Pokunuwita Rajamaha Viharaya

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