- Area: Sri Lanka
- Type: Attractions
- Group: Buddhism Viharaya
Dankumbura Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya is considered one of the major Buddhist temples in the Mahiyangana area in ancient Ceylon. This ancient cave temple lies on the Bibile and Padiyathalawa close to Ekiriyakumbura.
The roots of the temple believed to be going as far as King Walagamba (89-77 BC) have been neglected by authorities and has been a target for treasure hunters a number of times in the past. According to the chief prelate of the Dankumbura Rajamaha Viharaya, this temple has been deserted and covered in the jungle for over 800 years before it was discovered and cleared up for worship about 250 years ago by a ‘Kos Keda Hevene’.
Rock pillars, guard stones, and a few balustrades can be seen scattered in the temple premises but the ancient cave temple is the most important archaeological artifact in the temple. Inside there is a 27-foot ( 18 riyan) reclining Buddha statue and a massive bowl (Pattaraya) belonging to the ancient era. The image house has been vandalized by treasure hunters several times in the recent past and as a result, the Buddha images show cracks in the structure.
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