Kanabiso Pokuna Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhala: කණබිසෝ පොකුණ රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Handapanagala village approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) distance from Wellawaya town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.[1] The designation was declared on 22 November 2002 under the government Gazette number 1264.[2]
| Kanabiso Pokuna Raja Maha Vihara | |
|---|---|
කණබිසෝ පොකුණ රජ මහා විහාරය | |
 The Stupa with scattered stone columns | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Monaragala |
| Province | Uva Province |
| Location | |
| Location | Handapanagala, Wellawaya |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Geographic coordinates | 06°39′17.8″N 81°08′54.1″E / 6.654944°N 81.148361°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Buddhist Temple |
The temple
editThe temple is situated on Handapanagala-Ulkanda road about 4 km (2.5 mi) off from the Wellawaya-Tissamaharama (A2) highway. It is believed that this temple was constructed by King Dutugamunu (161 BC – 137 BC).[3][4] Among the archaeological remains a ruined Stupa, scattered stone columns, and two dripledged caves are identified.[4] The Stupa is almost in the dilapidated state, resembling a large mound of earth.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Protected Monument List 2012-12-12 (In Sinhala)" (PDF). Department of Archaeology. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ "Gazette". The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 1264. 22 November 2002.
- ^ "Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project- Final Report – Nov 2010#Kanabisawarama Raja Maha Viharaya" (PDF). EJUSTICE. 20 November 2010. p. 185,186. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ a b "Kanabisopokuna Raja Maha Viharaya". Lanka Pradeepa. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "Kanabiso Pokuna and Rajamaha Viharaya at Handapanagala". amazinglanka. Retrieved 30 January 2018.