Tampita Vihara Heritage

Mottunna Sri Kireetaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya

මොට්ටුන්න ශ්‍රී කිරීටාරාම පුරාණ ටැම්පිට විහාරය

Western Province

Gampaha District

7°9'50.83''N 80°4'22''E

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The best-kept temple on pillars in the district, wooden handrail and all.

STAND INSIDE IT — 360°

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THE PLACE

Tampita 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 Tampita Viharas were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples.

Built on pillars, the ancient Tampita Vihara is inside the new Mottunna Sri Kireetaramaya. However, the Tampita Vihara is considered one of the best-preserved Tampita Viharaya in the Gampaha District.

The wooden handrail sits beautifully around the structure. Entrance to the inner chamber is decorated with two statues of guardian deities. The Buddha statue is flanked by statues of Vishnu and Saman deities. The chamber walls are painted with beautiful murals of the Suvisi Vivaranaya.

The Vihara is situated on the Veyangoda road towards Nittambuwa. Turn left to the Kottala road and proceed about 1.8 km.

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