Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya Explained

Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya
Native Name:සිතුල්පව්ව රජ මහා විහාරය
Coordinates:6.3869°N 81.4497°W
Religious Affiliation:Buddhism
Province:Southern Province
District:Hambantota
Country:Sri Lanka
Founded By:King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna
Year Completed:Around 2nd century BC

Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Hambantota District, South Eastern Sri Lanka. Situated 18 km east of the pilgrimage town Katharagama, it is believed to have been built in the 2nd century B.C by king Kavantissa.[1] Sithulpawwa Vihara can be reached by travelling 18 miles along the Tissamaharama-Yodhakandiya road towards the Yala National Park. The name Sithulpawwa is derived from the word "Chiththala Pabbatha", which means "the hill of the quiet mind".[1] This monastery was a place of worship for devotees as well as a center of Buddhist education for Buddhist monks. Paintings of the Anuradhapura era and the ruins of stone Buddha images, Bodhisattva images, Image Houses, Circular Relic Houses are spread throughout the monastery premises. The present chief incumbent of Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara is Ven. Metaramba Hemarathana Nayake Thera.[2] King Gajabahu placed a stone inscription where it states that the tax received from the court must be paid to the monks of this monastery.

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya – සිතුල්පව්ව රජමහා විහාරය . Amazing Lanka . January 15, 2014 . 12 September 2014.
  2. Web site: President worships Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Vihara . NEWS.LK . 12 September 2014.