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
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Udaya Restaurant is approximately 5 kilometers.
Udaya Restaurant Udawalawe is a one of the best Restaurant in Udawalawe.
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is approximately 6 kilometers.
The Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is a 4-star hotel located in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka. There are&nb...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Niluka Safari Service is approximately 7 kilometers.
With 22 years of unmatched experience and the largest ever fleet in Udawalawe, we at Niluka Safar...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Kalu's Hideaway Udawalawe is approximately 10 kilometers.
Kalu's Hideaway Udawalawe is the best place to enjoy your life.Nestled along a 5 acres of bea...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Birds Paradise Inn is approximately 10 kilometers.
Birds Paradise Inn in Udawalawe offers Comfortable Accommodations, Leisure Facilities,&...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Centauria Wild is approximately 11 kilometers.
Centauria Wild Udawalawe is a charming destination nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Udawa...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Elephant Trail is approximately 12 kilometers.
A perfect combination of modern luxury and untamed rural life, Elephant Trail is a three-star bou...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Kuma Safari Lodge is approximately 14 kilometers.
We provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a garden. Located in U...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Kuma & Restaurant Udawalawa is approximately 14 kilometers.
Experience the Sri Lankan Authentic Foods in Udawalawa.Popular for : Breakfast Lun...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Hotel Sobana Lake front is approximately 23 kilometers.
Hotel Sobana Lake front is a charming eco-friendly holiday resort in Udawalawe where rustic natur...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and The White Rabbit is approximately 58 kilometers.
The White Rabbit is a Restaurant located in Ella, Sri Lanka. The Restaurant offers a diverse...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is approximately 114 kilometers.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is a five-star luxury hotel located in Colombo,&nbs...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Galadari Hotel is approximately 115 kilometers.
Galadari Hotel, traded as Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC, is a five-star luxury hotel...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Vivanta Colombo Airport Garden is approximately 125 kilometers.
Vivanta Colombo, Airport Garden offers unparalleled convenience just 5 minutes from Colombo Inter...
Distance between Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya and Aliya Resort & Spa is approximately 173 kilometers.
Welcome to lush greenery, simplicity of a rural lifestyle and breathtaking views of Sigiriya in S...
