Watagedara Sudharmarama Potgul Vihara

It is situated 6 km from Matara along the Matara-Attudawa road. This ancient Vihara is situated in Watagedara and is well known for its library Potgula, which has given the name to this shrine. Devotees visit this Vihara annually to offer namal (ironwood flowers) during April. The temple on pillars, the stupa and the bodhiya are all situated on a terrace, which is entered through a staircase.

The temple on pillars at Watagedera is one of the few found within the Matara district. This was later surrounded by an outer chamber. The inner chamber, which is on pillars, contains a statue of the Buddha in a seated posture, 'Suvisi Vivarana' and the 80 disciples of Lord Buddha each carrying a flower in typical Kandyan style. One of the unusual paintings found here is the 'liyawel' or flower vines starting from a lion rather than the usual Kandy period female figure. The statues of the Buddha are in typical Kandyan style in the draping of the robes and other aspects. The exterior wall of the temple on pillars has three rows of paintings depicting incidents from the Buddha's life. These paintings had been retouched about 100 years ago.

The roof was also redone at that time using half-round tiles. The library of this temple contains many ola leaf manuscripts, which include some of the rare manuscripts as well. The library is now housed within the residence of the monks constructed about 50 years ago. This is one of the very famous temples in the area and still retains its original character in spite of changes.

(Heritage of Ruhuna by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P75)

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Watagedara Sri Sudarshanaramaya Purana Pothgul Tampita Viharaya

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