Lankatilaka Raja Maha Viharaya located at Udunuwara Hiyarapitiya Village is one of the three famous ancient temples near Peradeniya in Kandy District. It was built during Gampola Kingdom by King Buwaneka Bahu IV in year 1344. The original 80 feet tall 4 storey building designed by a South Indian Architect named Sthapati Raya, was built on an uneven surface of a large Panhangala Rock with granite-based foundation, overlooking Hantane Mountain Range in the village. Though remain at sight today is only its ground floor and part of its first floor, Lankatilaka Vihara is considered as one of the most magnificent architectural edifice from Gampola Kingdom in Sri Lanka.
History of Lankatilaka Vihara was dated back to 14th century, a pre-colonial period where the island was ruled by several strong kingdoms. Many significant structures and arts at that era were contributed by various Kings from Gampola Kingdom who mostly were talented in arts and cultures. The majestic monument of Lankatilaka which stands supreme in architectural designs, was one of the example. It was established by Buwaneka Bahu IV who ruled Gampola Kingdom from 1341-1351.
Lankatilaka Vihara that combined the worship of Lord Buddha and many Hindu Gods like Vishnu under the same roof, is a symbolic shrine reflecting the normal practice at Gampola era.
The three storey high Main Vihara building was constructed with bricks with thick external walls designed with arches and sculptures.
The artistic preaching Hall in front of main entrance, instead of using the normal half round tiles to cover the center part of the structure top, it used flat roof tiles.
The sight of Hiripitiya village and Hantane Mountain Ranges at Udunuwara formed a scenic backdrop for Lankatilaka Vihara.
On the irregular surface of the rock, a Stupa was also plastered at site overlooking The Hantane Mountain.
Enshrined at the altar of Stupa is a large image of Buddha, seated and faced east.
The main shrine hall was led by a flight of stone steps and an arched door way.
The decorative designs at its arched door panels are beautiful.
There are two Balustrades of Gajasinha lions design flanked by the sides of the steps leading to the arched doorway of Buddha Image House.
Pairs of figurines are also found at the walls of the short corridors directing to The Image house.
The entire main Vihara Shrine is adorned with Kandyan rich colors paintings and sculptures. A huge Image of Buddha seated under a Makara Torana dragon throne sculpted with colorful features, flanked by both sides with two awesome standing Buddha Images with beautiful designed robe, is enshrined inside the main hall.
Colorful sculpture of unique features found at the dragon throne where Lord Buddha seated.
The entire surrounding walls of The Image House are covered with paintings from Suvisi Vivarana the lives of the 24 past Buddhas. Most of the Guardian figures reflect the 12th century Thivanka Characteristics.
There are also five Devales (little shrine) in the main Vihara, dedicated to four Hindu deities, reachable from other four separate entrances.
The colorful paintings at walls and ceilings are from Kandyan era.
Large area of this huge solid rock bear the inscriptions of Lankatilaka Raja Maha Viharaya's history in both Sinhala and Tamil language.
The site of Bodhi Tree offers a fantastic sight of the surrounding ranges.
A mother's chanting angel.
Showing respect to the monk
Embekke Devale is one of the three famous 14th century Shrines nestled in Udunuwara Village, about 8 miles from Kandy. It is famous for its elaborate wood carvings, pillars and many interesting structures. The carvings mainly are those ancient legends depicting the origins of this splendid shrine.
The Shrine was originally built to dedicate to God Kataragama in a superb three storey building by King Wickrema Bahu III in year 1371, after report of a miraculous dream from his consorts. The three story building did not survive but the elaborated carvings remain.
The marvelous pillar wood carvings are impressive. They might be one of the finest existing in the world.
Cloves are one of the major produce around this area.
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