Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara

Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhala: කසාගල රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist Temple, situated in Angunukolapelessa, Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. It is situated about 10 km (6.2 mi) away from Ranna Junction along Ranna – Weeraketiya road. The temple has been formally recognized by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 6 June 2008 under the government Gazette number 1553.

History
It is accepted that the Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara was constructed during the Anuradhapura era in the reign of King Kavan Tissa (205–161 BC). But it is also believed that the Vihara was begun with the planting of one of 32 saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi (Dethispala Bodhi Tree) in this land with the patronage of King Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BC) in the third century B.C. According to the chronicles King Kavantissa (205–161 BC) constructed several buildings there and later they were further renovated and expanded by adding new features by King Dappula I (661-664) and King Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 AD). During the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasingha (1747 – 1780 AD), a gilt Buddha image and temporalities were donated to the temple, and had conducted a Dalada Perahera (a pageant) as a tribute to the Tooth Relic of Buddha.

Name
According to local folklore the name Kasagala (The yellow rock) has been derived as monks who lived there had dried their saffron-colored robes on the slabs of natural rock where the temple is situated. It is said that these robes were seen as saffron-colored rocks from far away and thus people used to call the temple Kasagala.

Besides the above folklore an inscription that belongs to 2 AD and is related to the temple, refers that this temple was known as Kawagala Pabbatha in the early periods.

The Temple

Currently, two ancient Stupas can be seen on the Vihara premises. One of them situated on the top of the rocky plateau is believed to be constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa and is considered as the oldest Stupa in the Vihara. The other Stupa situated nearby has been constructed by King Saddha Tissa (137-119 BC), brother of King Dutugamunu. Near the upper rocky plateau Stupa, six stone inscriptions have been found. The information included in all six inscriptions appears to be on the style of granting liberty from slavery (Vaharala).

The temple is adorned with paintings and sculptures belonging to Kandyan tradition, displaying unique artistic features of the maritime provinces. The paintings mainly show Southern and transition artistic styles, influenced by European Cultural traits and new art styles.

Kasagala rock inscriptions
Period: 4th-5th centuries AD, Script: Late Brahmi, Language: Early Sinhala
Contents: “There are six inscriptions written on the rock face and the data included in all six inscriptions appears to be on the style of granting liberty from slavery (Vaharala). Most of the letterings are worn; hence it is impossible to get a clear complete idea of the interpretations”

Faiza Latif

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