Magul Maha Viharaya

Last updated
Magul Maha Viharaya
මඟුල් මහා විහාරය
Magul viharaya.jpg
Granite entrance to an ancient stupa at Magul Maha Viharaya
Religion
Affiliation Buddhism
District Ampara
Province Eastern province
Location
Location Lahugala, Sri Lanka
Geographic coordinates 06°52′03″N81°44′12″E / 6.86750°N 81.73667°E / 6.86750; 81.73667 Coordinates: 06°52′03″N81°44′12″E / 6.86750°N 81.73667°E / 6.86750; 81.73667
Architecture
Type Buddhist Temple
Founder King Kavan Tissa (205-161 BC) or King Dhatusena (463-479 AD)
Completed2nd century BC

Magul Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Lahugala, Ampara District of Sri Lanka. [1] The temple lies on the northern edge of the Lahugala National Park, about 22 km off from Siyambalanduwa town and about 11 km off Pottuvil town. [2] Lahugala has been part of the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka. The ruins of Magul Maha Vihara are one of the major tourist attractions of the Eastern province. This temple is also an archaeologically protected monument of the country.

Contents

History and legends

The history of Magul Maha Vihara possibly dates back to the period of King Kavantissa (205-161 BC) who ruled the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka. There are evidence that suggests that the king has built this temple in the 2nd Century BC on the exact location where he married the princesses Viharamahadevi, the daughter of king Kelani Tissa. Other sources claim that King Dhatusena (463-479 AD) built this temple while many other monarchs renovated it through the centuries later. There is a stone inscription at the site of this temple that dates back to the 14th century which supports the latter view. [3]

According to legend Viharamaha Devi, the daughter of King Kelanitissa volunteered to sacrifice herself to the sea to appease the gods who were enraged at the King for punishing an innocent monk. [3] [4] The princess was safely carried over the ocean waves, reaching ashore at a place near the Muhudu Maha Viharaya in Pottuvil, where the encounter between king Kavantissa and the princess took place which later led to their marriage. The legend also tells that the marriage ceremony was conducted at the premises of Magul Maha Viharaya in Lahugala, where the King had later built the temple to celebrate the auspicious event. The foundations of the Magul Maduwa where the wedding ceremony took place can still be seen at the temple premises. [5] Magul is a word in native Sinhala language which gives the meaning wedding or auspicious.

Magul Maha Vihara had been renovated by several monarchs after its establishment. A 14th century stone inscription, located within the temple premises, reveals about a queen who also had the name Viharamaha Devi, wife of King Buvenekabahu IV of Gampola and Parakramabahu V of Gampola, who renovated and donated many acres of land to this temple. Magul Maha Viharaya is inscribed in this stone inscription as Ruhunu Maha Viharaya. Some other sources reveals that king Dappula I (661-664 AD), constructed this temple after listening to the preachings of Buddhist monks. It is speculated that around 12,000 monks inhabited the complex at some stage in history, which is evident to the largeness of the ancient temple.

Ruins and surroundings

Presently a significant amount of ruins of the ancient temple can be seen at the location. The image shrine, the Bodhi Tree (sacred fig) and the stupa are all in a good state of preservation. The main gate, a solidly built wall that surrounds all the buildings and the remains of a small shrine with an unusual moonstone at its entrance are some of the structures that can be seen at the site today. The elephants on this moonstone all have riders on their backs, something unseen in all other Sri Lankan moonstones. [6] The stupa of Lahugala Magul Maha Vihara is built on a high terrace with three staircases leading up to it. There are images of grand lion guardians at the top of these stairs. [7]

The causeway which is used to approach Magul Maha Vihara is situated across a lotus filled reservoir which surrounds the entire temple complex. The entire temple complex had covered an extent of around 10,000 acres where ruins of a palace, moonstone, monastery, bo-maluwa, stupas, ponds etc. are found scattered all over. [8] These and all the other ruins at Lahugala are all surrounded by the forests of the Lahugala National Park, which is an important habitat for animals such as elephants, sambars, deers, leopards and many endemic birds of Sri Lanka.

Vihara inscriptions

Magul Maha Vihara slab inscription 1

Period: 9th-10th century AD, Script: Medieval Sinhala, Language: Medieval Sinhala
Content: "Sati Abboy donated this stone slab. From the merit that accrues he wishes Sihila and himself to attain Buddhahood"

Magul Maha Vihara slab inscription 2

Period: 14th century AD, Script: Medieval Sinhala, Language: Medieval Sinhala
Transcript: "(1) Svasti Siri-Lak-hi raja (2) ka[la] Dasen-kali raja-da- (3) -ruvan-da karavu me Ru- (4) -nu- maha-vera maha-val (5) va tubuva daka Soli-se- (6) -nava mada Runu-rata raja ka- (7) -rana Parakumba de-ba-raja-daru- (8) -van de-denata aga-mehe- (9) -sun vu Vihara-maha-devi na- (10) -m ma visin mul pisa ka- (11) -rava daru-gam vatana-pasa pariva- (12) -ra sihita va .. .. bada- (13) -vas kota ma [visin] karavanala- (14) -da me siyalu pin-kam matu va- (15) -na raja yuva-raja .. .. (16) adinut anu .. .. (17) pavatviya yutu bavi- (18) -n ma namin kala (Vihara) -de- (19) -vi-pirivena me vera ba- (20) -da bava data yutu"
Content: "Viharamahadevi, the chief consort of the two brother kings named Parakramabahu, who vanquished the Colas and governed the Ruhuna, restored the Ruhunu maha vihara (Magul Maha Vihara) founded by king Dhathusena and supplied the requisites for the sangha and attendants. Attached to this monastery she built the Viharadevi Pirivena. It is stipulated that future kings should continue to maintain these institutions"

Magul Maha Vihara pillar inscription

Period: 14th century AD, Script: Medieval Sinhala, Language: Medieval Sinhala
Content: "Viharamahadevi, the chief consort of the two brother kings named Parakramabahu, renovated the Ruhunu maha vihara (Magul Maha Vihara). It also mentions that this dedication to the Dharmaratna should be maintained by future kings too"

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dutugamunu</span> King of Anuradhapura

Dutugamunu, also known as Dutthagamani Abhaya, was a king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC. He is renowned for reuniting the whole island of Sri Lanka by defeating and overthrowing Elara, the usurping Tamil prince from the Chola Kingdom, who had invaded the Anuradhapura kingdom in 205 BC. Dutugamunu also expanded and beautified the city of Anuradhapura and projected the power of his native Rajarata region across the island of Sri Lanka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jetavanaramaya</span> Dagoba in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. At 122 metres, it was the world's tallest stupa, and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301). He initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of the Mahaviharaya of Anuradhapura. His son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa, and it was renovated by Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruwa. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara</span> Ancient Buddhist monastery in Sri Lanka

The Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Tissamaharama, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It was one of the four major Buddhist monasteries established in Sri Lanka, after the arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera to the country. The site of the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara was consecrated by Buddha himself, who spent some time in meditation there with 500 arhats, during his third visit to the island. Tissamaharama monastery had been recognized as a pre-eminent Buddhist educational center of the southern Sri Lanka from the 3rd century B.C. to the 11th century A.D. The Tissamaharama Dagoba which is situated in the premises of the monastery is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The present chief incumbent of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is Ven. Devalegama Dhammasena Nayaka Thera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingdom of Kotte</span> Sinhalese kingdom in southwestern Sri Lanka from 1412 to 1597

The Kingdom of Kotte, named after its capital, Kotte, was a Sinhalese kingdom that flourished in Sri Lanka during the 15th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the middle of Badulla town in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka.

Ambalantota is a coastal town in southern Sri Lanka. It is located in Southern Province in Hambantota District between Matara and Hambantota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Trincomalee district in Eastern Province, which is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ridi Viharaya</span> 2nd-century BCE Theravada Buddhist temple

Ridi Viharaya or Silver Temple is a 2nd-century BCE Theravada Buddhist temple in the village of Ridigama, Sri Lanka. Built during the reign of Dutthagamani of Anuradhapura, the temple is considered as the place where the silver ore, which provided silver to complete Ruwanwelisaya; one of the largest stupa in Sri Lanka, was discovered. According to the chronicles Mahavamsa and Thupavamsa, the Ridi Viharaya complex was built in gratitude for helping him cherish his dream of completing Ruwanwelisaya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muhudu Maha Vihara</span> Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This temple, near a wide beach, was built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. The ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara</span> Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mulkirigala, Sri Lanka. It has been built on a 205 m (673 ft) high natural rock, surrounded with another four rocks known as Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala. The temple site is located about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Mulkirigala junction and can be reached from either Dikwella or Tangalle towns. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 8 April 1988 under the government Gazette number 501.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naigala Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Naigala Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Weeraketiya, Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. It is located about 2 km (1.2 mi) away from Weeraketiya junction and 8 km (5.0 mi) from ancient Buddhist temple, Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warana Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Warana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Thihariya, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the Colombo - Kandy highway. Currently this temple has been recognized as an archaeological protected site in Gampaha District by Archaeological department.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara 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 recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 6 June 2008 under the government Gazette number 1553.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kande Vihara</span>

Kande Vihara is a major Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. The temple has got its name 'Kande vihara' as it is built on top of a hill located near to Aluthgama town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

Lahugala is a small town in Ampara District, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The town is located on Colombo-Batticaloa main road approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) away from Pothuvil town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lahugala Kota Vehera</span> Ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

Lahugala Kota Vehera or Kota Vehara Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Lahugala, Ampara District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Pansalgoda Grama Niladari division of Lahugala DS and lies on Colombo - Batticaloa main road about 10 km (6.2 mi) far from Pothuvil town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 10 October 2014 under the government Gazette number 1884. The protected monuments include the ancient Dagaba, building sites with stone pillars, flight of steps carved on natural rock plain and drip ledged caves. The Stupa in the Vihara has been identified as one of four Kota Vehera Styled structures found around Sri Lanka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kotte Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Kotte Raja Maha Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Western province, Sri Lanka. It is located near to the historic building Pita Kotte Gal Ambalama at the Pita Kotte junction on Kotte road. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 17 May 2013 under the government Gazette number 1811.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara or Ganegama Rankoth Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Ganegama, Sri Lanka. The Vihara is located approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) far away from the Pelmadulla town on Colombo - Batticaloa main road (A4). The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 2 March 1951 under the government Gazette number 10217.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Keheliya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Handapanagala village approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) distance from Wellawaya town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 22 November 2002 under the government Gazette number 1264.

References

  1. ↑ Florence Wickramage. "Magul Maha Viharaya - Lahugala". WWW Virtual Library - Sri Lanka. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  2. ↑ "Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya – ලාහුගල මගුල් මහා විහාරය". Amazing Lanka. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  3. 1 2 "A Temple of Yore: Magul Maha Viharaya". The Serendib. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  4. ↑ "History of Sri Lanka and significant World events from 246 BC to 777 AD". Scenic Sri Lanka. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  5. ↑ Sachini Perera. "The Ceylon Traveller Magul Maha Viharaya, Lahugala". Sunday Leader. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  6. ↑ Ve. S. Dhammika. "Sacred places-Lahugala". Buddhanet. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  7. ↑ "Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya". Angelfire.com. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  8. ↑ MA Phakurdeen. "Magul Maha Viharaya - a place for spiritual solace". Daily News. Retrieved 7 August 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.