Attanagalla Ancient Royal Temple — Attraction in Western Province

Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the most famous ancient royal temples in Sri Lanka. Attanagalla Royal temples is the primary one among its nine subordinate temples and is situated in Western Province, Sri Lanka, 28 miles northeast of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is unique because it is the only ancient temple historically recognized as the place where a Bodhisattva (a future Buddha) fulfilled his Dana Paramita (one of the ten perfections to be completed by a Bodhisattva to become a Buddha, an Awakened One). He sacrificed his life by giving his head in gratitude for a favor he received from a poor and ordinary countryman.

Known by the name of King Sri Sangabo (247-249 A.D.) he was recognized in the chronicles and other ancient literature of Sri Lanka as the most pious Buddhist king in Sri Lankan history. After King Sri Sangabo, his brother Gothabhaya (249-262 A.D.) became the king of the country and built a Stupa (Pagoda) at the place where his brother, Bodhisattva Sri Sangabo, made the great sacrifice fulfilling a parami. According to the Attanagall Vihara Chronicle, during the reign of King Upatissa (365-406 A.D.), one of the monks, having practiced meditation, attained Arahanthship (enlightenment) at this temple. King Upatissa was very pleased to hear this and built a five-story monastery, which he offered to the...

Attanagalla Raja Maha Vihara is a well known buddhist temple and archeological site situated in Gamaha district. According to royal chronical of ancient Sri Lanka, this is the place where the most pious king Sri Sangabodhi sacrifice his life by giving his head to fulfill Daana Paramitha( one of great perfection that need to get enlightenment) although it is debatable now. One who visit this place can enjoy the comfortable breeze of the Attanagalu river and have a moment in relax. Although it is famous and crowded in full moon poya day still the place is calm. This sacred place is famous due to many reasons. There is a archeological building called Vatadageya, which is build as a shelter for Stupa (pagoda ) to protect from extrem environmental conditions. In that fact it is more important because this is the only completely preserved example of Vatadageya in Sri Lanka because all the others are ruined. This elegant building is well maintained and and its interior is decorated with paintings that depicts stories of Bhuddism. The history runs back to Anuradhapura era. King Gotabhaya and king Upathissa built this monastery. Clean toilet facilities available. You can eat your own foods after taking permission from temple. Good parking facility available.

This is a place you can taste the local culture specially...

Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya is a well-known ancient royal temple situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 28 miles northeast of Colombo, the capital city. It is notable for being recognized as the place where a Bodhisattva, a future Buddha, fulfilled his Dana Paramitha, one of the ten perfections that must be completed by a Bodhisattva to become a Buddha, by sacrificing his life in gratitude for a favor received from a poor countryman.

King Sri Sangabodhi (247-249 A.D.), who is considered the most pious Buddhist king in Sri Lankan history, is said to have built a Stupa at the location where his brother, Bodhisattva Sri Sangabodhi, made the great sacrifice to fulfill his parami. King Gotabhaya (249-262 A.D.), his successor, continued this tradition and built a Dagoba in the same spot.

The temple also has historical significance, as during the reign of King Upatissa (365-406 A.D.), one of the monks who practiced meditation attained Arahanthship, or enlightenment, at the temple. In response, the king built a five-story monastery which he donated to the Maha Sangha.

Overall, the Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya is a revered and culturally significant site in Sri Lanka, attracting visitors from all over the world to learn about its unique history and the sacrifices made by its...