Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Kolambageara, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka.
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is a beautiful old temple situated in Kolambageara near Pallebedda Village, Ratnapura District. It lies on the edges of the Ratnapura – Embilipitiya main road near the 24th milepost. Additionally, this temple is situated at the foot of picturesque hills, and its Stupa was constructed on a small rock.
According to folklore, Phussadeva, one of the ten great giants of King Dutugemunu, is said to have resided in this Sankapala area. This is confirmed by the fact that Phussadeva's name has been mentioned in the rock inscriptions. Phussadeva, who played a prominent part in King Dutugemunu's wars, was well versed in the art of war and blowing the conch shell. Hence, the emblem conch shell was used to identify him. Phussadeva built this Sankapala Viharaya. It is mentioned that later on in life, he was ordained a monk and achieved the state of Rahath. However, owing to the evils of nature, this abode had been later abandoned. After, the place was resurrected again and made a popular place of worship by Venerable Karathota Dharmarama during the Kandyan period.
Also, there can be found a Stupa which is believed to have buried the ashes of Arahant Phussadeva on a stone plateau about 2 km away from the temple, near the Rathnapura - Embilipitiya main road. It is known as the Phussadeva Tomb.
The old three caves at the foot of the hills have been converted into Buddha viharas in the temple. Further, there can be seen ruins, art, and other constructions belonging to the Anuradhapura era, the Kandy era, and the recent era in the Sankapala temple.
Travelers can reach Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya(සංඛපාල රජමහා විහාරය) from Colombo via Athurugiriya - Godagama - Padukka - Ingiriya - Rathnapura - Pelmadulla - Godakawela - Pallebedda. The distance of this route is approximately 140km. Traveling from Colombo to Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes using this route. Also, travelers can reach Rathnapura from Colombo via Avissawella - Eheliyagoda - Kuruwita. Additionally, travelers can reach Embilipitiya from Colombo via the Southern Highway using the Barawakumbuka Interchange and access Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya.
The GPS coordinates of Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya are latitude 6° 26' 34.3212" N and longitude 80° 45' 29.19" E.
Kolambageara - 70180
Asia/Colombo
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