Journey Through Time: Temple on a Rock

         

    Temple on the  Devanagala rock

    Exploring the Serenity and Mystical Wonders of Devanagala Temple, Sri Lanka

This ancient Devanagala temple whispers tales of devotion, serenity, and architectural marvel. Prepare to embark on a journey that unveils the temple’s captivating charm, one that will leave you spellbound. 

 

 Devanagala Rock

How often you may have passed this location while you are travelling along the Colombo – Kandy Highway. Not only the local travelers, has tourist guided travelling with foreigners. This is a lesser-known attraction that you may visit on your tour and for the foreigners’ tour to Sri Lanka. Devanagala Temple is an ancient temple in the Mawanella area of the Kegalle District. There are two ways to use. First is to travel all the way down the Colombo-Kandy Highway to Mawanella and turn towards Hemmathagama Road and travel about 3Km. The other way is to use the Colombo- Kandy Highway to get to Hingula junction, drive down Alapatha Road and get to the destination.

There are two folklores regarding the name of Devanagala. First Folks says that this is the deity Dedi Munda visited for the second occasion. Dedi Munda deviyo is a deity, worshiped by Sinhalese Buddhist people in Sri Lanka and considered as a guardian deity of Buddha Sasana in the country.

In the Sinhalese language, the word Devana means second and gala means rock. So, second folk suggest that it is so named because it is the second-largest rock in the area after the Bathalegala rock.

   Bathalegala rock over the Devanagala rock

After 5Km traveling from the Colombo- Kandy Highway, you will reach the entrance of the destination. From here, you have to climb this big black rock along the rock steps. Steel fence has been for the safety purposes. 

    Rock steps with a steel fence at peak

             Aesthetic views while climbing.

Climbing is fairly difficult. But the gentle sound of wind and bird’s sounds and aesthetic views amidst the calm environment will frees you from all difficulties. However, the journey may be difficult during the rainy seasons. You have to choose the suitable periods. December, January, February, August and September are dry and ideal periods for the hike.

 Embrace the Serene

Step into the inner sanctum and let the hushed reverence wash over you. The serenity inviting you to find your own inner peace.

A nearly forty-five-minute climb on rock steps, watching surrounding aesthetic views reveals to the entrance to the ancient Devanagala temple on the rock.

                

                                                    Top of the Devanagala rock

                                                          Calm environment in the Temple

 Beautiful views from the top

                                                                                                                                                                 This temple stands in a cool and calm very beautiful atmosphere. The views run towards the Bathalegala rock normally known as Bible rock and also series of mountains seeing far and far away from the temple land. The temple provides aesthetic views forests, downside villages with paddy fields and several areas.

 Serenity of natural pond 

The natural large pond adds more values for the mind calmness. This must have consoled the minds of meditating monks who resided here in the past.

                                                     Sun setting for the Temple.

As the sun sets behind the ancient Devanagala temple, it leaves in its wake tranquil ambiance that resonate with tales of unwavering devotion, serene spirituality, and unparalleled architectural grandeur. 

Mind is getting cool and calm as the evening sky is getting colorful with orange and red colors. Sun fades worshiping to the Devanagala temple.

                                                

                                   The Sun fades in the western sky

 A Glimpse into History

Devanagala Temple resides majestically on top of the Devanagala rock and is connected to the history of the island in several significant ways.

Many ancient kings who ruled this country made it their primordial duty to protect and preserve Buddhism by giving state patronage and constructing temples and sthupas. King Valagamba is one such ruler, known for the contribution for the protection of Buddhism.One of his creations is the Devanagala Temple on the Dewanagala rock.

The history of Devanagala is expanding from the prehistoric period to the Kandyan period. Archaeological evidence dating back to the prehistoric period has been found at the site (Aregama 2018).

Dewanagala Temple is believed to be built the era of King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186) of Polonnaruwa Kingdom. There is also a belief that this temple was first built by King Wattagamini Abaya also known as King Walagamba (89-77) BC. At a later date, King Wimaladarmasuriya (1592-1604) of Kandyan Kingdom has also contributed towards development of this temple.

The King Parakramabahu has made an inscription describing the donation of land in the surrounding area to a commander of his army named Kirthy Nuwaragala who led a battalion to Burma on his victorious campaign against the Burmese King. The full translation of the inscription can be found on the publication”Lakdiva Sellipi” written by Kothmale Amaravansha Thero published by M.D, Gunasena in 1969.

                                            Inscription of King Parakramabahu

Some historians name King Wimaladharmasuriya as the second founder of the Kandyan Kingdom. He was responsible for its revival. He was born as Konnapu Bandara and later, baptized under the Portuguese name as Don Juoao da Austria. Konnapu Bandara was a commander of the Portuguese army, but schemed with the Buddhist Priest to free Kandy from the Portuguese.

In 1572, he renounced Christianity and embraced Buddhism and was consecrated as King Wimaladharmasuriya of the Kandyan Kingdom. In order to establish the royal bloodline, he married Kusumasana Devi and fought two very successful battles against the Portuguese who attempt to invade the Kingdom.

 

                         King's Wimaladharmasuriya's Battle against the Portuguese

After winning the battles against the Portuguese, King Wimaladharmasuriya handed over the Devanagala Temple to the Devanagala Rathanasara Thero who helped him in attempt to take the throne of Kandy. A second rock inscription describes this donation. The full translation of the inscription can be found on the publication” Lakdiva Sellipi” written by Kothmale Amaravansha Thero published by M.D, Gunasena in 1969.

Architectural Slender

                                                          The Tempitiya Viharaya

Stepping through the Viharaya’s grand entrance, prepare to be awestruck by its architectural symphony. Intricate carvings, roof and walls. The silent vigil a testament to the temple’s enduring presence.

 

                                                            Roof structure of Kandyan Kingdom

                                                               

                                                              Crafts of Kandyan Kingdom

The Devanagala is also a home for Tempita Viharaya belonging to Kandyan Kingdom.A tempita Viharaya is a structure built on a wooden platform which rests on number of stone stumps. Tempita means the Temple on pillars.  The roof is held by a structure built of timber. The walls are made of ancient wattle and daub. These types of buildings were popular religious architectural designs during the Kandyan Kingdom.

King Wimaladharmasuriya has built the Tempita Viharaya during period of Kandyan Kingdom (Abeyawardana, 2002).   A seated Buddha statue is housed underneath an elaborate Dragon Arch inside this Shrine. Two statues of deities stand beside the seated Buddha. The temple has housed Tooth Relic of the Buddha secretly for three months (Abeywardana 2002).Ruins of this building still can be seen.

 

                                                                  The Buddha's Statue

Other valued monuments are a Stupa, a preaching hall, and a Bodhi- tree in the present Temple premises.

                                                                          The Stupa

                                                                     An ancient hall

 This sacred haven, nestled in a cool and pristine environment, invites you to partake in a journey that reveals the captivating charm of an enduring testament to history. From its sacred grounds, the panoramic views extend towards the majestic Bathalegala rock, fondly known as Bible Rock, and panorama of distant mountains that unfold like chapters in a storied landscape. The temple, standing amidst this picturesque backdrop, offers not only a haven of worship but also serves as a vantage point to behold the natural wonders that surround it lush forests, quaint villages with verdant paddy fields, and vast expanses of undulating landscapes.    A significant chapter in the temple’s narrative unfolds into the historical echoes of King Parakramabahu and King Wimaladharmasuriya. Stepping through the grand entrance of the Tempita Viharaya, one is immediately immersed in an architectural symphony. The intricate carvings that adom the structure, from roof to walls, stand as a treatment to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The silent vigil within the Viharaya whispers stories of resilience and longevity, echoing through the halls of time. Within the sacred precincts of Devanagala, a hidden gem reveals itself the Tempita Viharaya, a relic of the Kandyan Kingdom religious architecture. Resting on a wooden platform supported by stone stumps, the Tampita Viharaya stands as a living treatment to the innovative construction methods of ancient times. The roof, gracefully supported by a timber structure, shelters a space where the walls, crafted from ancient wattle and daub, continue to tell stories etched in history. As I conclude my exploration of this sacred site, the echoes of devotion, serenity, and the architectural marvel linger in the air. 

What should I remind you?

About cost?

No............ Climbing of Devanagal Temple is completely free along the way!

About food?

Yes, it is very important.

I hope you are looking forward to your journey to Devanagala. I would like to inform you that there are no shops in the immediate vicinity for purchasing food. To ensure that you have a comfortable experience, I recommend bringing any necessary snacks or meals with you.

The nearest town where you can find shops and eateries is Mavanella. I advise you to plan accordingly and pack any food items you may need during your visit. This will help you make the most of your time at Devanagala without any inconvenience.

Also see.

Other places of interest within close proximity

Dedimunda Devalaya, Aluthnuwara

Asupini Ella, Aranayaka

The Devanagala temple, with its tapestry of history and spirituality, invites all who visit to partake in its timeless narrative that transcends generations. It leaves every visitor spellbound by the magic of its enduring charm.