Asgiri Maha Viharaya

Asgiri Maha Viharaya, also known by the names Asgiriya Temple and Asgiriya Gedige, is a prominent Buddhist monastery situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It holds a position of considerable importance as the headquarters of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Nikaya, one of the principal monastic fraternities in the country. Together with the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, Asgiri Maha Viharaya shares the vital responsibility of safeguarding the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is enshrined in the nearby Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Historical Context and Origins

The establishment of Asgiri Maha Viharaya dates back to the 14th century, founded by Commander Siriwardhana under the directive of King Parakramabahu IV of Kurunegala (reigned 1305–1335 A.D.). The initial monastic buildings were situated on the grounds that now host Trinity College. The monks who first resided here were adherents of the Wanavasi sect and were dispatched from the Valasgala hermitage in Yapahuwa. The name 'Asgiri' is understood to be a Sinhalese adaptation of the Pali term 'Acchagiri,' which is the Pali translation of 'Valasgala.' An alternative tradition suggests the name derives from Queen Chandrawathie, mother of King Vikramabahu, who was cremated in the adjacent grounds.

Throughout the history of the Kandyan Kingdom, numerous monarchs contributed to the development and upkeep of Asgiri Maha Viharaya. The monks of the Asgiriya Chapter played a crucial role in protecting the Tooth Relic, especially during periods of conflict, invasions, and rebellions, acting as custodians on behalf of the ruling monarch.

Key Structures and Features

The monastery complex is comprised of several distinct sections, including the "Purana Viharaya" (the old temple), the "Meda Pansala" (the middle temple), and the "Aluth Viharaya" (the new temple), alongside the "Gedige Vihara." The "Meda Pansala" was constructed in 1767 by Meegastanne Dissawe, and the "Aluth Viharaya" was built by Pilimathalawe Dissawe the following year. The "Purana Viharaya" is notable for housing a serene statue of the Buddha beneath a Makara Thorana (Dragon Arch), with statues of deities Natha and Saman flanking it. A more recent "Aluth Viharaya" was renovated in 1801 by Pilimathalawe Adhikaram, son of Pilimathalawe Dissawe. The monastery also features a striking 36-foot-long recumbent Buddha statue carved from rock and two "poya ge's," which serve as assembly halls for the monastic fraternity.

Adahana Maluwa

One of the most historically significant sites within the Asgiri Maha Vihara premises is the "Adahana Maluwa," which served as the Royal Cremation Ground of the Kandyan Kingdom. The viharaya itself had three terraces: Uda Maluwa (upper), Meda Maluwa (centre), and Palle Maluwa (lower). The "Meda Maluwa" was specifically designated for the cremation of royal family members, leading to the temple in that area being known as the "Adahanamaluwa Gedige Viharaya." This site was where the remains of the Kings of Kandy and their kin were burned and buried. Historically, the Adahana Maluwa Gedige is considered the second oldest structure in Kandy and shares architectural resemblances with the Natha Devale in Kandy and the Gadaladeniya Vihara. During the construction of the railway line to Matale between 1878 and 1880 by the British colonial government, a tunnel was excavated beneath the Adahana Maluwa, leading to the destruction of the remaining tombs in the Royal Burial Grounds.

Leadership

Asgiri Maha Viharaya is led by the Chief Incumbent, who also holds the title of Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of Siyam Nikaya. The appointment of senior Buddhist monks to these high positions in Sri Lanka became formalized with the re-establishment of Upasampada (higher ordination) in 1753, largely through the efforts of Sangharaja Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thera during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. The current Chief Incumbent is Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, who assumed the role in 2016.