Sunandarama Vihara
Sunandarama Vihara, also known as Maha pansala, is a significant Buddhist temple complex located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It is recognized for its ancient art, particularly its unique concrete arch featuring intricate carvings, and its historical connection to the veneration of the Bodhi tree. The temple complex, which occupies approximately 5 acres, has a history stretching back to the 18th century, with ongoing conservation efforts by the local community.
Key Facts
- ›The temple complex dates back to the 18th century, with the Bodhi tree planted around 1750.
- ›Sunandarama Maha Vihara systematically began its current iteration in 1970.
- ›The most ancient building is the statue house, dating from the Kandyan era.
- ›Notable artistic features include frescoes similar to those at Thotagamu Vihara and a large concrete arch with precise carvings.
- ›The temple complex is supported by four traditional areas: Vilegoda, Nambimulla, Maha Ambalangoda, and Paniyanduwa.
- ›Conservation and reconstruction efforts have been ongoing since 1988, primarily driven by local residents.
Important Relationships
- Thotagamu Vihara
- Sri Maha Bodhi
Sacred Bodhi Tree, Statue House, Frescoes Depicting Jathaka Stories, Concrete Arch With Carvings, Mechanical Bell, Gehenna
- Bodhi Planted Around 1750
- Temple Was A Residence For Nuns In Earlier Times
- Systematic Start of Sunandarama Maha Vihara In 1970
- Reconstruction Committee Organized In 1988
Kandyan Era
About Sunandarama Vihara
Sunandarama Vihara, also referred to as Maha pansala, is a notable Buddhist temple complex situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka. Its location places it approximately 65 km south of Colombo and 36 km south of Galle, with close proximity to the Ambalangoda railway station. The temple complex spans nearly 2.0 hectares (5 acres) and holds historical significance, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century.
History and Development
The history of Sunandarama Vihara is intertwined with the veneration of the Bodhi tree, which is believed to have been planted around 1750. In its early days, the site served as a residence for nuns. The systematic establishment of Sunandarama Maha Vihara as it is known today commenced in 1970, following the relocation of Vilegoda Punnasara thero from the Aluthwala Nanadarama shrine.
The statue house stands as the most ancient structure within the complex, dating to the Kandyan era. Artistic contributions from Thotagamu temple artists are evident in its door frames, and the present statue is believed to be older than the statue house itself, which was constructed in 1803. Other significant constructions include a bell-shaped cairn built in 1843, a synagogue in 1846, and a two-storied building in 1893, which houses a marble Buddha statue gifted from Burma.
Artistic and Architectural Highlights
Sunandarama Vihara is distinguished by its artistic murals, which are considered fine examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. These frescoes, similar to those at Thotagamu Vihara, depict various Jathaka Stories, including the Vessanthara, Sachchankira, and Mandhathu tales, employing a palette of red, brown, black, and blue.
A particularly significant creation is the picturesque Pandal, or bell arch, a unique concrete structure measuring 30 meters high and 18 meters wide. It features intricate carvings of ancient security figures and a Makara Thorana across four stories, with a mechanical bell weighing 250 kg on the third floor. The construction, initiated by Juanwanwadu Endoris De Silva, spanned over 40 years and was supported by local residents and railway engineers.
Conservation and Community Involvement
The temple complex also includes a representation of Gehenna, or hell, on its eastern side, with construction beginning in 1928, though it remains incomplete. The sacred Bodhi is noted as being one of eight branches from the Sri Maha Bodhi. Since 1988, a reconstruction committee, formed with the help of local dignitaries, has overseen the conservation of the temple, with its maintenance and reconstruction work being continuously supported by the local community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sunandarama Vihara founded?
The temple complex has roots dating back to the 18th century, with the sacred Bodhi tree believed to have been planted around 1750. The modern iteration of Sunandarama Maha Vihara began systematically in 1970.
What are the most notable artistic features of Sunandarama Vihara?
The temple is renowned for its artistic murals, which are similar to those found at Thotagamu Vihara and depict various Jathaka stories. It also features a significant concrete arch with detailed carvings and a mechanical bell.
What is the significance of the concrete arch at Sunandarama Vihara?
The bell arch, or picturesque Pandal, is a unique and significant creation, being the only concrete arch in Sri Lanka with such precise carvings. It stands 30 meters high and 18 meters wide, featuring multiple stories of security figures and a Makara Thorana.
What is the history behind the statue house?
The statue house is considered the most ancient building within the complex, belonging to the Kandyan era. Its main stone door frame and right-side door frame were created by artists from Thotagamu temple, and the present statue appears older than the house itself, which was built in 1803.
Who supports the maintenance of Sunandarama Vihara?
Traditionally, the Vihara is supported by four areas known as Sathara peruwa: Vilegoda, Nambimulla, Maha Ambalangoda, and Paniyanduwa. These areas have historically provided support for the temple's upkeep.
What is the current status of conservation at Sunandarama Vihara?
Conservation efforts were initiated in 1988, particularly for the arch. Local residents are actively involved in conserving the temple complex, with much of the deteriorating frescoes undergoing reconstruction.
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