Dewundara dewalaya — Attraction in Southern Province

Dewundara Devalaya is situated in the little town of Devinuwara which means the “City of the Gods”. The meaning of Dewundara Devalaya is “The temple in the city of Gods”. Devinuwara is also referred to as “Dondra head” in English.

About the destination

It is believed that Dewundara Devalaya was built by King Dappula I in the 7th century. There was an attack by the Portuguese army which was led by Thome De Sonza in 1587 who destroyed and plundered valuables in the places of worship. However, Rajadhi Rajasinghe who ruled the Kandyan kingdom at that time was successful in managing to free Matara from the enemy and built a Devale at Devinuwara for deity Vishnu.

History of the destination

Devinuwara has been a busy seaport and a most renowned place of pilgrimage and worship in the 13th-15th centuries. It had a magnificent temple with a roof of copper flashing far into the sea, and it used to be of help to those who sailed in the Indian Ocean.

According to a legend, Devinuwara was a flourishing city in the time of King Rawana who is connected to the story of Ramayana. Also in Mahawamsa, it is mentioned that “Upulvan Deiyo” also known as Vishnu was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism at the time of Buddha’s passing away.

How to reach your destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road and continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and merge onto Southern Expressway. Take the Akuressa exit and turn right onto Beach Road Matara. Turn right onto Colombo-Hambantota Road to reach your destination.

From Matara

Turn right onto Sri Dharmarathna Mawatha and turn right onto Beach Road Matara. Turn right onto Colombo – Galle Road to reach your...

Devinuwara Upulwan devalaya is situated in the for south of sri lanka close to matara city The annual feature of the devala is the Esala perahera.the procession begins of the stone doorway which comprise the Makara Thoranaand proceed along Hadagala main road,Sinhasana road,Ampitiya road,light house road,passing kiralawella junction through Tangall road back to Hadagala and return to the devala. People have lot of faith in this devale and never fail to visit this devale when proceeding to kataragama and this is a popular place of worship. 2000 years ago this southern most point of the island was place of exceeding sanctity known as Dondra,the City of Gods. A magnificent temple to Vishnu have existed more than seventh century. There is still remain two hundred granie columns which formed part of the building . Protuges commander de attack to this place and completely destroyed and stolen jewelry gems and ivory...

A temple belonging to a special period in the history of Sri Lanka. Historically and culturally a very important place. This is known as a Vishnu temple which is believed by many Lankans. There is a unique Buddha Mandir here built by King Dapulusen. Apart from the four great temples, the old ruins of the two-storied Buddha Mandir built by King Pandita Parakramabahu IV are still visible here. A procession is held here during the month of Esala. The world's first Dhammapada Maha Vihara was built here. It is a temple and a shrine that is mostly worshiped by people. Parking facilities are provided in front of the temple. Inside the temple is a huge Buddha statue. It is visited by large crowds at most times...