Sankapala Rajamaha Vihara

This historic Vihara is located 9.5 km beyond Pallebedde town and is abutting the Ratnapura Embilipitiya highway.

This Buddhist shrine had its origin during the pre-Christian era.

The paladin Pussadeva, living during the days of Dutugemunu, offered this spot to the Bhikkus. He had entered the order of monks and attained Arahatship at this Vihara. There is an inscription making a reference to Pussadeva and a symbol of a conch which has given rise to the name 'Sankhapala' to this Vihara. During a later period, King Rajadhi Rajasinghe had made an offering of this Vihara together with a land grant of 13,000 acres to Ven. Karatota Dhammarama Thera in appreciation of his unique poetic composition popularly known as 'Barasakavya', where one verse was capable of being read as 12 verses by the asymmetric arrangement of letters.

This monastic complex contains a cave temple, stupa, stone pillars, flights of steps erected on a rocky platform providing a picturesque view from a distance. There are altogether 14 caves with drip ledges engraved. Three of them contain inscriptions. Ancient Buddha statues and objects of archaeological interest are available.

( Heritage of Sabaragamuwa by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P32 )

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Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya

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