Dematamal viharaya, Buddhist temple in Okkampitiya village, Monaragala District, Sri Lanka.
Dematamal Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Okkampitiya whose ancient stupa, attributed to the 2nd century BC, survives among ruined image house, bodhi house, monastic residence and uposatha hall buildings. A guard stone carved by both a woman and a man stands at the site.
Dematamal Viharaya was built by King Kavanthissa, according to the Sinhala Wikipedia article, and its stupa dates to the 2nd century BC. Folklore holds that the site sheltered Prince Saddhatissa after he lost a battle to his elder brother Dutugamunu. Most of the monastery's buildings are now ruins, though the ancient stupa survives.
The temple serves as a local place of worship where visitors can see people engaging in prayer and ritual practices. The craftsmanship in the stonework reflects traditional Sinhalese building methods that have been passed down through generations.
The temple is located in a rural village and is best reached during the drier seasons when local roads are in better condition. Some areas of the complex may have limited access, so it helps to inquire locally before visiting.
The temple's guard stone is carved with both a female and a male figure together, a pairing the Department of Archaeology says is found nowhere else in Sri Lanka. Much of the monastery now lies in ruins, but its ancient stupa still stands.
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