Alutwela Thibbatuwawa Purana Tampita Viharaya

Aluthwela Thibbatuwawa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple with a probable history going back to Anuradhapura kingdom just 2.5 km off the Sella Kataragama – Buttala road with an ancient Na Bodhiya and a Tampita Viharaya belonging to the Kandyan Era.

Among the ruins scattered around the temple is an ancient Sri Pathul Gala. These were used during pre-Christian periods to represent the living Buddha before Buddha statues were built. Happoruwa Purana Viharaya (Hathporuwa Purana Viharaya) which lies just 1.5 km away has been built during King Devanapiyatissa era (250-210 BC) thus Thibbatuwawa Temple could also be of that era or belong to the same Aramaic complex in the ancient times.

A Tampita Viharaya is a structure built on a wooden platform that rests on a number of stone stumps usually 3-4 feet tall. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub.

The Tampita Viharaya at the Aluthwela Thibbatuwawa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya (Aluthwela Tampita Viharaya) is built on 16 granite pillars. The image house has been built leaving a narrow ledge on the platform. Four granite steps lead to the raised platform. Any statues and paintings on the walls if existed are missing today. A new Buddha statue lies inside the Tampita Viharaya. All walls have been painted in white.

To reach the temple from Buttala, travel 1.5 km on the Kataragama road and turn right from the first 4-way junction and turn right. Travel a further 2.5 km on this road to reach the temple.

Faiza Latif

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