Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya

Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya

Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in Tangalle in Sri Lanka. It is an ancient but spectacular temple which is declared as an Archeological site in Sri Lanka back on 6^th June 2008.

About the destination

Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya is given to its name for a special incident. It is stated that there have been monks in this temple who dried their saffron-colored robes by laying them on slabs of natural rock where the temple is situated. The people who saw this from far saw them as saffron-colored rocks and thus started called it “Kasagala” which means yellow rock. You will be able to see the temple adorned with paintings and sculptures which belong to the Kandyan tradition which showcases unique artistic features.

History of Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya

Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the Anuradhapura era during the reign of King Kawan Tissa. It is also believed that it started in the 3^rd century B.C after planting 32 saplings of the Sri Maha Bodhi by King Dewanampiyatissa. King Dappula and King Vijayabahu have further renovated the temple while King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe donated a Buddha statue and conducted a Dalada Perahera as a tribute to the Tooth Relic of Buddha.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road and go on Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Continue onto Southern Expressway and you have to take the exit from the Beliatta interchange. Turn right onto Beliatta – Walasmulla Road and turn right onto Dambulla-Weeraketiya Road to reach your destination.

From Tangalle

Go on Colombo- Wellawaya Highway and turn left onto Ranna-Weeraketiya Road to reach your destination.