- Area: Sri Lanka
- Type: Attractions
- Group: 2-3rd century BC Buddhism Kandyan era Viharaya
Peellawela Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple in the Hakuruwela area in Weeraketiya, Hambantota district. Among the buildings of this temple is a Tampita Viharaya built during the Kandyan era. However, the presence of Siri Pathul Gal (blocks of rock carved with a footprint of Buddha) which were objects of veneration in the 2-3rd century BC, before the Buddha statues were used can be used to safely assume that the history of this temple to go back to at least 2-3rd century BC.
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 and the inner walls are generally covered with frescoes drawn mainly in Kandyan style.
In 2012, this temple was subject to a major attack by treasure hunters where the caretaker was tied up and the stupa was dug, the pinnacle completely destroyed and the ancient Buddha statues were broken into pieces in search of treasures.
The Tampaita vihara, ancient rest house of the Bhikkus, the ancient heap of ruins with the Bodhi tree and dhamma discourse hall within the precincts of the Pillawela (Peellawela) Raja Maha Viharaya, situated within the Grama Niladhari Division of Gajanayakagama in Angunukola Pelassa Divisional Secretary Division, Hambantota District, Southern Province was declared as protected archaeological monuments in 6th July 2008.
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