Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is a significant rock-cut Buddhist temple in Amunugama, Sri Lanka, renowned for its exceptional Kandyan Era frescoes. Excavated from a large rock, it features a shrine room, an image house, and a drumming hall, with its walls adorned by intricate murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and Jātaka tales.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is carved into a rock approximately 12.3 meters (40 ft) high.
- ›Construction began in 1771 during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha and was completed by his brother, Rajadhi Rajasinha.
- ›It is celebrated for its Kandyan Era frescoes, particularly the ceiling mural 'Mara Yudde' depicting Buddha's battle against Māra.
- ›The murals are unique in their uniform size for all depicted elements and the exclusive use of colors sourced from tree bark.
- ›The temple was placed in the custody of Moratota Dhammakkanda Maha Nayaka Thera, who was King Rajasinha's teacher and advisor.
- ›Local folklore attributes the temple's discovery to a farmer who found golden sickles within a rock crevice.
Important Relationships
- King Kirti Sri Rajasinha
- Rajadhi Rajasinha
- Moratota Dhammakkanda Maha Nayaka Thera
Kandyan Era Frescoes, Rock-Cut Architecture, Mural Depicting 'Mara Yudde', Moonstone, Carved Wooden Makara Torana
- Construction Initiated In 1771
- Completion and Royal Endowment By Rajadhi Rajasinha
- Entrustment To Moratota Dhammakkanda Maha Nayaka Thera
Kandyan
About Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara, situated in Amunugama, Sri Lanka, is a distinguished Buddhist rock temple celebrated for its exquisite Kandyan Era frescoes. The temple's unique structure is carved directly into a large rock outcrop, approximately 12.3 meters (40 ft) in height, providing shelter for its sacred chambers.
History and Construction
The origins of Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara are rooted in local folklore involving a farmer and a discovery of golden sickles. Historically, construction began in 1771 during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. The temple was completed by his brother, Rajadhi Rajasinha, who later ascended to the throne. Upon its completion, King Rajasinha entrusted the temple to the learned monk Moratota Dhammakkanda Maha Nayaka Thera, who served as the king's teacher and chief advisor.
Architectural Features and Murals
The temple complex comprises an elegant rock shelter housing a main shrine room. In front of this, two ante-chambers are constructed outside the rock, topped with wooden roofs: a drumming hall (digge) and an image house (Budu-ge). The image house, accessed through ornate wooden doors beneath a carved Makara Torana, features a moonstone and five vivid panels illustrating scenes from Jātaka tales, recounting episodes from the Buddha’s previous lives. The main shrine room contains a large reclining Buddha image, and the opposite wall is adorned with paintings depicting the Buddha’s previous birth and stupas from Sri Lanka’s prominent pilgrimage sites.
The temple's murals are a significant artistic achievement, attributed to four 'Sittara' artists. The most celebrated is the ceiling mural, 'Mara Yudde' ('Buddha's Battle with Māra'), an intricate depiction of the Buddha's spiritual struggle against the demon of death, desire, and rebirth. These murals are distinguished by their uniform depiction of all elements—people, trees, and animals—and the exclusive use of colors derived from the bark of nearby trees, showcasing a unique artistic style and a deep connection to natural resources.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara built?
Construction of Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara began in 1771 during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. It was completed by his brother, Rajadhi Rajasinha, after he ascended to the throne.
What is Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara most famous for?
The temple is most famous for its exquisite Kandyan Era frescoes, which are renowned for their artistry and vibrant depictions. The ceiling mural, 'Mara Yudde', is considered a masterpiece.
What are the main structures within the temple?
The temple consists of a main shrine room carved into the rock, an image house (Budu-ge) with a Makara Torana, and a drumming hall (digge). These are sheltered by a rock outcrop.
Who painted the murals at Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara?
The murals are attributed to four 'Sittara' artists: Nilagama Patabanda, Devaragampola Silvatänna, Kosvatte Hiriyale Naide, and Devendra Mulachari. All colors were derived from the bark of local trees.
What is the significance of the 'Mara Yudde' mural?
'Mara Yudde' is an artistic depiction of Buddha's spiritual battle against Māra, the demon representing death, rebirth, and desire. It is considered the finest painting on the ceiling of the shrine room.
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