
Tampita Vihara Heritage
Burunnewa Sri Nagarukkarama Tampita Viharaya Warakapola
බුරුන්නෑව ශ්රී නාගරුක්ඛාරාම ටැම්පිට විහාරය
Sabaragamuwa Province
Kegalle District
7°13'14.37''N 80°14'9''E
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Sixteen granite pillars, no two the same size, holding one small temple level.
STAND INSIDE IT — 360°
THE PLACE
Tempita Vihara (Temple on Pillars) is a unique type of image house found in some Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. These buildings have a distinctive architectural design. In the 17th-19th century, these Tempita Viharas were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples. The Tampita Vihara is built on 16 granite pillars of various sizes. The platform lies 4 foot 3 inches above ground level, a narrow circumambulating path with wooden protective handrails constructed around it. A beautiful wooden door frame flanked by guardian gods decorates the entrance to the image house. Inside the image-house is a samadhi Buddha statue.
The inside walls of the image house are completed with paintings from the Kandyan period. Another interesting feature here is the finely carved wooden Buddha statue completed with a dragons arch and a miniature wooden replica of the Tampita Viharaya.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTES
- Viran de Silva
ONWARD
Or let the island choose – take me anywhere
UNIQUE SRI LANKA
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Photographs © Viran de Silva
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