Velgam Vehera
Velgam Vehera, also known as Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya, is a historically significant Buddhist temple located in Kanniya, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. It was a prominent religious center, revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists, and has a history stretching back to ancient times, with later renovations and even patronage from South Indian rulers during their occupation.
Key Facts
- ›Believed to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307–267 BC).
- ›Received later renovations from Kings Bathiya I, Agkbo II, Vijayabahu I, and Parakramabahu I.
- ›An inscription from King Bhatika Tissa's reign (141-165 AD) mentions revenue allocated to the temple.
- ›Survived the Chola invasion of 993 AD and was renovated by the Cholas, who renamed it Rajarajaperumpalli.
- ›The ruins were discovered by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department in 1929 and declared a protected site in 1934.
- ›Known to Hindus as Natanar Kovil.
Important Relationships
- King Devanampiyathissa
- King Bathiya I
- King Agkbo II
- King Vijayabahu I
- King Parakramabahu I
- King Bhatika Tissa
- King Rajaraja I
- King Rajendradeva
Stone Inscriptions, Brick Dagobas, Parts of Image Houses, Korawak Gal, Mura Gal, Moon Stones
- Construction During the Reign of King Devanampiyathissa.
- Renovations By Kings Bathiya I, Agkbo Ii, Vijayabahu I, and Parakramabahu I.
- Survival and Renovation Under Chola Rule .
- Rediscovery of Ruins By Sri Lanka Archaeological Department .
- Declaration As An Archaeological Protected Reserve .
About Velgam Vehera
Velgam Vehera, also known by its Sinhala name Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya and to Hindus as Natanar Kovil, is a significant historical Buddhist temple situated in Kanniya, within the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. Its historical importance is underscored by its role as a place of worship for both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists, highlighting a shared religious heritage in the region.
History and Development
The origins of Velgam Vehera are traced back to the reign of King Devanampiyathissa, who ruled from 307 to 267 BC, indicating its establishment in antiquity. The temple subsequently underwent periods of renovation and expansion under various Sinhala monarchs, including King Bathiya I, Agkbo II, Vijayabahu I, and Parakramabahu I. An inscription discovered at the site, dating from the reign of King Bhatika Tissa (141-165 AD), provides evidence of royal support, detailing revenue from specific fields allocated to the temple, then referred to as Abagara Vihara or Velgam Vihara.
Following the decline of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms, the temple experienced a period of abandonment and ruin as populations migrated southward. However, Velgam Vehera notably survived the invasions of the Cholas from India in 993 AD, an era during which many Buddhist sites were destroyed. Instead, the Cholas renovated the temple and added their own architectural elements, renaming it Rajarajaperumpalli in honor of King Rajaraja I. Tamil inscriptions found at the temple further document donations made during the reigns of King Rajaraja and Rajendradeva.
Rediscovery and Preservation
The archaeological significance of Velgam Vehera was recognized in the 20th century. The ruins of the temple were rediscovered by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department in 1929, leading to its formal designation as an archaeological protected reserve in 1934. This protected status ensures the preservation of its remaining structures and artifacts.
Archaeological Remains
The temple premises contain scattered ruins that offer glimpses into its past grandeur. These remnants include stone inscriptions, brick dagobas (relic stupas), parts of image houses where statues were enshrined, and architectural features such as korawak gal (balustrades) and plain mura gal (guard stones), along with moon stones at entrances. These ruins are crucial for understanding the temple's architectural evolution and religious practices over centuries.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Velgam Vehera?
Velgam Vehera was one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, historically worshipped by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists. Its long history includes periods of royal patronage and significant renovations, as well as survival and even renovation under Chola rule.
When was Velgam Vehera first built?
The temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa, which spanned from 307 to 267 BC. This indicates a very ancient origin for the site.
What happened to Velgam Vehera after the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms?
Following the collapse of these ancient kingdoms, the population migrated south, leading to the temple's abandonment and eventual ruin. It lay in disrepair for a considerable period.
How did the Chola invasion affect Velgam Vehera?
Surprisingly, Velgam Vihara managed to survive the Chola invasion of 993 AD unscathed. Instead of destruction, the Cholas renovated the temple and added their own structures, renaming it Rajarajaperumpalli.
When were the ruins of Velgam Vehera rediscovered?
The ruins of Velgam Vehera were rediscovered by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department in 1929. Following this discovery, the site was declared an archaeological protected reserve in 1934.
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