Muhudu Maha Vihara

Muhudu maha vihara
මුහුදු මහා විහාරය

The Stupa at Vihara
Basic information
Location Pottuvil, Sri Lanka
Geographic coordinates 06°52′39″N 81°50′20″E / 6.87750°N 81.83889°E / 6.87750; 81.83889Coordinates: 06°52′39″N 81°50′20″E / 6.87750°N 81.83889°E / 6.87750; 81.83889
Affiliation Buddhism
District Ampara
Province Eastern province
Country Sri Lanka
Heritage designation Archaeological protected monument[1]
Architectural description
Architectural type Buddhist Temple
Founder King Kavan Tissa

Muhudu Maha Vihara (Sinhalaː මුහුදු මහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka.[2] This temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently 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 lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.

Ruins

This viharaya marks the landing place of Viharamahadevi, daughter of Kelani Tissa, who was destined to become the queen of King Kavan Tissa of the Rohana kingdom.[3] According to the ancient chronicle Rajavaliya, it is stated that in the second century BC after Kelaniya was submerged by the sea due to a natural disaster, Devi the daughter of King of Kelaniya was cast to sea in a Golden Vessel to appease the gods, and washed ashore near the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuwil. Later she became the main consort of king Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna Kingdom, under the name Viharamahadevi.[4]


See also

Notes and references

  1. ↑ "Muhudu maha Vihara". Department of Archaeology. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  2. ↑ "Muhudu Maha Viharaya at Pottuvil". Amazing Lanka Website. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  3. ↑ "A dwindling archaeological reserve". Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "Moodu Maha Viharaya and its lonely chief incumbent". Travelblog.org. Retrieved 3 July 2015.


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