Yatala Vehera, Ancient Buddhist temple in Deberawewa - Thissamaharama, Sri Lanka.

Yatala Vehera is a stupa raised on a platform of large flat granite slabs, with a surrounding wall of sculpted elephant heads, a moat and a large moonstone. Four vahalkadas open to the cardinal directions. Excavations show three main construction phases: the earliest from before the Common Era, a single-tiered section from the 4th century AD, and work from 1884.

This shrine was built around 2300 years ago during the 3rd century BC and stands as the first stupa erected in the Kingdom of Ruhuna. Its construction marked a turning point in how Buddhism took root in the southern regions of the island.

The stupa is also called Dalada Dagaba because the Tooth Relic is said to have been enshrined here for a time. It was offered to Arahant Arittha Thero, the first Sinhalese arahant, by the regional king of Ruhuna. The site is known in chronicles as Mani Chethiya.

An opening in the structure allows visitors to observe the different construction and restoration layers that span multiple centuries. This reveals how the temple was built and rebuilt over time, offering a clear view of its evolution.

Several relic containers have been discovered inside the structure, yet what was originally placed within them remains a mystery to this day. This unanswered question adds an element of intrigue to the site for those who visit.