Dematamal viharaya, Buddhist temple in Okkampitiya village, Monaragala District, Sri Lanka.
Dematamal Viharaya is a temple in Okkampitiya featuring ancient structures including a stupa and an image house with Sinhalese architectural elements. The complex contains several stone buildings arranged within a walled precinct.
The temple was founded in the 2nd century BC and was originally known as Gamitthavali Vihara. It ranks among the oldest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and held significance during conflicts of the ancient period.
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 site was connected to royal rivalries when a prince sought shelter there during ancient conflicts. Archaeological finds from a much later period show how the place remained significant across many centuries.
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