Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara

Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient cave temple of historical and archaeological importance, located in the village of Malwatuhiripitiya in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. Situated along the Gampaha-Wathurugama Road, it lies approximately 1.6 kilometers from the ancient Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara. The Archaeological Department has recognized Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara as an archaeologically protected site.

History and Folklore

The origins of Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara are believed to extend back to the Anuradhapura Kingdom period. Brahmi inscriptions found at nearby temples, such as Warana Raja Maha Vihara and Pilikutthuwa Raja Maha Vihara, suggest that this area also served as a significant cave dwelling site during the early part of the Anuradhapura era.

Two prominent folklores contribute to the temple's historical narrative. The first folklore describes Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara as one of the places King Valagamba utilized for concealment during the Chola invasions in Anuradhapura. The second folklore recounts that this vihara was the initial sanctuary for the Buddha's tooth relic, before its relocation to Delgamuwa Raja Maha Vihara, during the period when King Don Juan Dharmapala of the Kotte kingdom converted to Christianity amidst Portuguese influence.

Structures and Features

The temple's grounds are primarily divided into two sections: Pahala Maluwa and Ihala Maluwa. Within the Pahala Maluwa, visitors can find an image house, a sacred Bo tree, an ancient Devalaya, and a Stupa. Atop the rock, a rampart encircles a Bo tree and a Stupa. The premises are characterized by several rock caves equipped with drip ledges, a common feature in ancient Sri Lankan rock shelters. Notably, one of these caves contains an engraved stone door frame. Professor Senarath Paranavithana has posited that this door frame may date back to the 8th century AD, indicating a significant period of construction or modification at the site.