Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara
Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka, recognized by the government as an archaeological site. The temple is built on a rock plateau near the Handapanagala reservoir and features a dilapidated stupa and ruined image house, with rock inscriptions believed to date back to the 3rd century BC.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Handapanagala village, Monaragala District, Sri Lanka.
- ›Formally recognized as an archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government on November 22, 2002.
- ›Built on a rock plateau near the Handapanagala reservoir.
- ›Features an ancient stupa, now in a dilapidated state, and a ruined image house.
- ›Contains stone works including altars, monoliths, balustrades, and rock inscriptions in early Brahmi scripts.
- ›Ruins are believed to date from the period of King Devanpiya Tissa (3rd century BC).
Important Relationships
- King Devanpiya Tissa
Ancient Stupa, Ruined Image House, Rock Inscriptions, Stone Works
About Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara
Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka. Situated in Handapanagala village, approximately 11 kilometers from Wellawaya town, the site holds significant archaeological importance. It was formally recognized as an archaeological site by the Government of Sri Lanka on November 22, 2002.
Historical Context and Features
The temple is constructed on a small rock plateau adjacent to the Handapanagala reservoir. The summit of this plateau is adorned with an ancient stupa, which is now in a considerably dilapidated state, appearing more like a mound of earth. Nearby, remnants of a ruined image house are identified, alongside a variety of stone works. These include altars, monoliths, balustrades (known as Korawak Gal), stone bases, Yantra stones, and rock inscriptions. The rock inscriptions, etched onto the plateau's surface, feature early Brahmi scripts. The lower terrace, positioned to the north of the stupa, contains numerous ruined stone columns, including a pillar inscription. Historical accounts suggest that the ruins and their associated artifacts date back to the 3rd century BC, during the era of King Devanpiya Tissa (307 BC – 267 BC).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara located?
Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara is located in Handapanagala village, within the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka. It is situated approximately 11 km from Wellawaya town.
What is the historical significance of Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara?
The temple is considered an ancient Buddhist site, with ruins believed to date back to the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Devanpiya Tissa. It has been formally recognized as an archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government.
What are the main features of Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara?
The temple is built on a rock plateau and features an ancient stupa, which is now in a dilapidated state. Adjacent to it is a ruined image house, along with various stone works such as altars, monoliths, and rock inscriptions in early Brahmi scripts.
When was Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara recognized as an archaeological site?
Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara was formally recognized as an archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government on November 22, 2002, through a government Gazette notification.
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