Muhudu Maha Viharaya
| Muhudu maha viharaya 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°ECoordinates: 06°52′39″N 81°50′20″E / 6.87750°N 81.83889°E |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Ampara |
| Province | Eastern province |
| Heritage designation | Archaeological protected monument[1] |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Buddhist Temple |
| Founder | King Kavan Tissa |
Muhudu Maha Viharaya (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.
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
- ↑ "Muhudu maha Vihara". Department of Archaeology. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
- ↑ "Muhudu Maha Viharaya at Pottuvil". Amazing Lanka Website. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ↑ "A dwindling archaeological reserve". Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ↑ "Moodu Maha Viharaya and its lonely chief incumbent". Travelblog.org. Retrieved 3 July 2015.