Dodanthale Raja Maha Vihara

Dodanthale Raja Maha Vihara, also known as Sri Seneviratne Uposatha Raja Maha Vihara, is a significant historic Buddhist temple located in Mawanella, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. The temple holds the distinction of being formally recognized by the Sri Lankan government as an archaeological site, a designation declared in 1978. Its name, "Raja Maha Vihara," signifies its historical status as a "Great Royal Temple" or "Great Royal Monastery," indicating past royal patronage or donations.

History and Design

The origins of the Dodanthale Raja Maha Vihara structure are unique, as it was initially designed by chief Adikaram Molligoda to serve as a royal palace. The architectural plans included a ground floor for royal audiences, a first floor for living quarters, and a third floor intended for the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The site was chosen for its natural defenses, with hills to the north and south and moats on the east and west. Prior to the completion of the third storey, Molligoda decided to convert the building into a Buddhist Vihara. The structure was finished in 1832, standing 15.3 meters (50 ft) long and 12.3 meters (40 ft) wide, with twelve steps leading to its hall. The ground floor now functions as a preaching hall, with two wooden staircases ascending to the second floor. The roof is covered with Koku Ulu tiles.

Image House and Artistic Features

A prominent feature of Dodanthale Raja Maha Vihara is its image house, constructed in the traditional "Tempita Vihara" style. This style is characterized by elevated structures supported by pillars. While most Tempita Vihara buildings feature pillars around 0.9–1.23 meters (3.0–4.0 ft) in height, the pillars at Dodanthale temple are notably taller, reaching approximately 1.84 meters (6.0 ft). This image house is a two-storied edifice, with the lower level serving as a "Bana Maduwa" (preaching hall) and the upper floor as the image house itself. The upper floor, surrounded by a veranda, houses three Buddha statues meticulously carved from timber. The interior walls and ceiling of the image house are adorned with vibrant Kandyan-period murals. Among these artworks, a portrait has been identified as Kirti Sri Rajasinha (reigned 1747–1782), depicted wearing the "Kurulu Padakkama" (Bird pendant). This jewel, made for Adikaram Molligoda, bears a Sinhalese inscription on its reverse. Additionally, an old, large, wide-mouthed earthen vessel known as a "Pathra," traditionally used for holding water or receiving offerings from worshippers, is preserved on the temple premises.