Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in the city of Badulla. It is stated that the history of this place goes back to the 18th-19th century BCE and Emperor Rawana was ruling the country at that time. It is also recorded that the war between Rama and Rawana took place in this area.
About the destination
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya has a long history but along the way, it has been reconstructed and developed by many kings in the next 2500 years.
The entrance of the temple is named “Thorana” and it has a very unique design of six levels. In the first level, the main entrance is situated, on the second level, there is a Makara(dragon head). There are two guard figures on the sides of the head and there are two lion figures at the corners. On the third level, there are two “Vamana” figures, on the fourth, there are two bulls on the side. The fifth level is a seating Buddha statue and there are two peacocks in the sixth level.
As you enter you will see the image house and passing it you will meet the stupa. Here the hair and the Mukthaka Dathu(sweat turned into pearls) of Buddha are enshrined. The temple has 7 Bodhis of which 4 are destroyed. There is a gold plated fence surrounding the last tree.
History of the destination
It is stated that the incident of Rama and Ravana happened in Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya. There are many places with names that relates to this epic story such as “Ravana Ella”, “Seetha Eliya”, “Seetha Kotuwa”.
It is also recorded that Buddha visited Badulla on his third visit to Sri Lanka with another 500 Arhaths and that Buddha held sermons in this place. Then Deva King Indaka built a stupa enshrining some hair and Mukthaka Dathu(sweat turned into pearls) of Buddha.
Reaching the destination
From Colombo
You have to take Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Then take the Southern Expressway. Follow Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Highway, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, and Bandarawela – Badulla Road to your destination in Uva Province.
From Badulla
Take Keppetipola Road to Bandarawela Road. Follow Bandarawela – Badulla Road to Ella – Halpe Road. Turn left at Rasika stores onto Ella – Halpe Road. Turn left at Professional & Well Priced Taxi Service onto Ella Road, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway.
