Name of the Monument : Parama Vichitrarama Purana Viharaya
Alternative Name : Kihireli Pirivena
Monument Type : Religious/Archaeological/Architectural/cultural
Province : Southern
District : Matara
D.S. Division : Dondra
G.N.Division : Dondra - West
Address : Parama Vichitrarama Purana Viharaya, Devinuwara.
Brief Site Description:
This monastery known by different names such as Devinuwara Purana Viharaya and the Parama Vichitraramaya is located nearly 1km from the sea near the Dondra junction. According to an 8th century inscription, Kittaggabodhi had donated lands to a Kihireli Pirivena in Giriyala/Giriula. Thus this monastery was also known as the Kihireli Pirivena.
As mentioned in a 7th century inscription, the monastery was founded by a
provincial ruler named Dappula. King Nissankamalla too visited this place. There are a number of archaeologically significant monuments such as an ancient image house, stupa, avasage and inscriptions in the premises of this temple.
Tsunami waves did not reach this monastery.
Name of the Monument : Ancient Vishnu Devalaya (Old)
Alternative Name :
Monument Type : Religious
Province : Southern
District : Matara
D.S. Division : Dondra
G.N.Division : Dondra- West
Address :
Brief Site Description:
This shrine is located nearly 1km from the sea and at the Dondra Junction. This shrine dated to the 7th century AD, is also said to go as far back as the Rama-Ravana period. Several Sandesas such as the Salalihini refer to it. It seems to have had its most glorious period during the 15th century AD. Later the Portuguese destroyed it but Rajasinghe II (1635-67) restored it back to its former glory. A number of Archeological remains are in the vicinity. Of these, an inscription and the ornamented stone door-way from which the Sinhasana Road extends to the Sinhasana Kovil are important. The site was unaffected by the tsunami tidal waves
Name of the Monument : Old Galge (Galgane) Image House
Alternative Name :
Monument Type : Archaeological / Religious/Historical/Architectural
Province : Southern
District : Matara
D.S. Division : Dondra
G.N. Division : Devinuwara - North 432
Address :
Brief Description:
Galge or Galgane, the small stone structure is situated approximately 1200 meters from the sea and about 600 meters from Devinuwara Junction. Paranavitana identified this structure as the shrine of Upulvan. This shrine has two chambers: a square chamber and an antechamber. The stone built roof is flat. Only the doorway of this shrine is decorated. This structure is dated to the 7th century AD and was conserved in 1947. It was not affected by tidal waves and it is unlikely to be in the future.
Name of the Monument : Wanawasala Raja Maha Viharaya
Alternative Name :
Monument Type : Religious
Province : Southern
District : Matara
D.S. Division : Dondra
G.N. Division : Wawwa
Address : Rev. Kirinde Soma, Wanawasala Purana Raja Maha
Viharaya, Wawwa.
Brief Site Description:
Wanawasala Raja Maha Vihara which is traditionally considered as a work of King Devanampiyatissa (300 BC) is located about 200 meters from the sea and was unaffected by the tidal waves. Prematilleke dates this temple to the 8th century AD. The oldest construction in the vihara premises is the avasage. The original half round tiled roof is in a state of decay. A portion of this roof is sheltered in Calicut tiles. The roof should be repaired immediately.
According to the chief priest the Bodhi tree of this temple is one of the
detispala bodhis of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. The remains of the stems of stone pillars of a chapter house are located near the Bodhi tree.
PS :-
these informations are from a research done by the team of Ruhunu University few years ago. So All the credit goes to them.
