Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara

Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara, also known by its historical names Denawaka Viharaya and Ganegama Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Ganegama, Sri Lanka. The temple has been formally recognized by the Sri Lankan government as an archaeological site, with its designation declared in 1951.

Historical Context and Origins

The origins of Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara are believed to stretch back to the Anuradhapura Kingdom, specifically the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC). Tradition holds that one of the 32 saplings of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted within the temple premises during this period. The Sinhala Bodhivamsa also corroborates the planting of the Bodhi Tree in Ganegama during the Anuradhapura era by King Devanampiya Tissa.

The temple is also mentioned in historical records during the reign of King Parakramabahu I of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. King Vijayabhahu I is said to have established a military camp in the area, believed to be the temple's location. During the 15th century, under King Parakramabahu VI of the Kotte Kingdom, the temple was further developed. Historical inscriptions, such as the Pepiliyana Sunethradevi Pirivena inscription, indicate that King Parakramabahu VI enhanced the Vihara and placed it under the administration of the Sunethradevi Pirivena in Pepiliyana.

The name "Aramanapola Viharaya" is believed to derive from Buddhist monks who came from the Aramana region of Myanmar. These monks are said to have utilized this temple during their efforts to re-establish Buddhism in the country, particularly after periods of decline, such as following the Chola rule (993-1077 AD).

Temple Features

The temple complex is characterized by several key structures. These include a stupa, an image house, a sacred Bodhi Tree, a hall for Dhamma discourse, and dwellings for Buddhist monks (Bhikku dwellings). The image house is particularly noted for its Kotte-era paintings and is constructed with 27 carved rock pillars. Within the innermost chamber of the image house, a Samadhi Buddha statue is housed, accompanied by other related statues and paintings. The entrance to this chamber features a carved stone door frame, and the building's corners are reinforced with stone columns.

The Bodhi Tree at Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara is considered exceptionally significant. It is believed to be one of the 32 saplings from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and has been identified as the largest among these 32 Bodhi trees found throughout the island.

Naming and Historical References

Historically, the temple has been referred to as Denawaka Viharaya, deriving its name from the Denawaka Ganga river that flows through the area, suggesting the region was once known as Denawaka. This name is thought to originate from "Dona Wakka" (basin), referencing the area's location between the Kiribathgala and Kuttapitiya hilltops. The temple is also documented in the Vihara Asna (Nam Potha), a Kandyan-period compilation of important Buddhist centers in Sri Lanka.

During the Kandyan era, the temple was known as Ganegama Viharaya, named after the Ganinwahansela, Buddhist monks who resided there. This renaming reflects the difficulties faced in maintaining the temple during a period of Buddhist decline due to colonial rule. In contemporary times, it is predominantly known as Aramanapola Viharaya.