Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara, Buddhist temple in Malwatuhiripitiya village, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.
Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple complex organized into two main sections, containing an image house, an ancient shrine, and multiple rock caves that were carved into the landscape. The layout incorporates natural features and built structures working together to create distinct areas for different religious functions.
The temple dates back to the Anuradhapura Kingdom period, as shown by archaeological discoveries and ancient inscriptions found at neighboring temples. This evidence indicates that the site has served as a religious center for more than a thousand years.
Devotees visit the temple regularly to make offerings and prayers, maintaining active Buddhist worship practices that have continued through generations. The layout of the spaces reflects how the community organizes its spiritual life around the central religious activities.
The temple can be reached via the Gampaha-Wathurugama Road and is located within an area containing other historic temples nearby. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain since the site incorporates natural rock formations and caves.
An intricately carved stone door frame from the 8th century was identified at this temple and recognized by scholars as a masterwork of ancient craftsmanship. The detailed stonework demonstrates the technical skill and artistic knowledge of the period.
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