Rathgaga Temple — Local services in Sabaragamuwa Province

Punchi Dambadiva (Little Dambadiva)

is located along theColombo- Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Embilipitiya main highway – near Nonagama Junction off the 22nd km post from Ratnapura. From there lies its turn off along a mountain winding metalled narrow road running to about 12 km. This Punchi Dambadiva reposes itself in the lap of theSabaragamuwaProvince, where in the hazy distance loom the holy mountain profiles of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), the holiest peak of all the peaks in our fair isle.

The verdant valleys are saddled copiously with carpets of tea, rubber, cocoa, coffee gardens, interlaced with lush jungle, terraced rice fields set against the backdrop of wooded hills, where whispering rills, cascade down falling into boisterous rock pools. Amidst such awe-inspiring mountain capes, there comes into view this fascinating Punchi Dambadiva peeping out of a hillock harbouring a sprawling complex of lofty mansions filling the spread out landscapes far and wide. It is fascinatingly skirted by the meandering Rath Ganga flowing lazily by.

The History of the Rathganga ViharayaThe Inception of Rathganga Viharaya (Punchi Dambadiva) goes back to more than 3 decades. On the 14th of April 1981 Gilimale Chandraloka Thero arrived upon this land as an Incumbent and set up a cottage as a monastery. And set upon creating this magnificent creation. In the year of 1989 the 1st face of this creation was completed. The “Asumaha Shrawaka Buduraja Mahaviharaya “ was completed and open to the public by His Excellency J. R. Jayawardana the 1st Executive President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.At the young age of 27 Gilimale Chandraloka Thero was made the Chief Prelate of Sabaragamuwa province and the Chief Incumbent of the Temple by His Excellency R. Pramadasa then President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.Ever since that, step by step the Temple has been growing and we have come a long way, we have further to go. With the help of all of you we intend of doing the Impossible by Creating something which some say is virtually impossible to create in...

Lumbini where Prince Siddartha was born is situated in India, which was earlier known as Dambadiva. It was a little pastoral village nestling in this mountain frontier of Nepal in the 6th century BC.

Right throughout the year in Sri Lanka there is an exodus of pilgrims on pilgrimage to Dambadiva, where the hallowed sites connected with the life and times of Siddharta Gautama before and after His Supreme Enlightenment are found.

However Punchi Dambadiva (Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pasvisu Rajamaha Viharaya) is located along the Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Embilipitiya main highway – near Nonagama Junction off the 22nd km post from Ratnapura. From there lies its turn off along a mountain winding metalled narrow road running to about 12 km.

This Punchi Dambadiva reposes itself in the lap of the Sabaragamuwa Province, where in the hazy distance loom the holy mountain profiles of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), the holiest peak of all the peaks in our fair isle.

The verdant valleys are saddled copiously with carpets of tea, rubber, cocoa, coffee gardens, interlaced with lush jungle, terraced rice fields set against the backdrop of wooded hills, where whispering rills, cascade down falling into boisterous rock pools.

Amidst such awe-inspiring mountain capes, there comes into view this fascinating Punchi Dambadiva peeping out of a hillock harbouring a sprawling complex of lofty mansions filling the spread out landscapes far and wide. It is fascinatingly skirted by the meandering Rath Ganga flowing lazily by.

Ven. Girimale Chandraloka Thera is the dynamic Viharadhipathi – Founder of this temple named Rathganga Asu Maha Shrawaka Pas Visu Rajamaha Viharaya.

He is a pleasant and devout thera. He welcomed us and most willingly spent half a day with us in the commodious reception parlour standing on monolithic pillars elaborately carved with alluring cultural motifs and furnished with elegant decor which has turned into a cynosure to...

Rathganga Temple is a very special place, designed as a structural replica of the Dambadiwa in India. It’s not only a beautifully built temple but also a peaceful and calm environment ideal for spiritual reflection and worship.

If you're traveling by bus, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Ratnapura town to reach the temple. One important thing to note is that the last bus from Rathganga back to Ratnapura leaves at 4:00 PM, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. If you are coming by your own vehicle, parking is conveniently available near the temple.

This temple is a peaceful location where you can experience a calm and spiritual atmosphere surrounded by nature. You’ll also see multiple structural elements that resemble the original Dambadiwa in India, making it feel like a sacred cultural journey. Visitors can worship, and also make donations to support the continued development of the temple premises.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in Buddhist culture, architecture, or simply looking for a quiet and meaningful...