Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara, Buddhist temple in Ganegama, Sri Lanka.
Aramanapola Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple featuring a two-story image house supported by 27 rock pillars. The structure displays traditional stone carvings and preserves ancient wall paintings dating to the Kotte period.
The temple originated during King Devanampiya Tissa's reign, when one of 32 saplings from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree was planted here. This connection to one of Sri Lanka's oldest shrines marks the site's historical importance.
The temple serves the local community as a living sanctuary where Buddhist ceremonies take place regularly and bring devotees together. These spiritual practices shape daily life in the area and create bonds among the people.
The temple sits about 20 kilometers from Ratnapura along the road to Haputhale, making it reasonably accessible for visitors. The grounds are open for those who wish to explore the archaeological structures and surrounding area.
The grounds hold one of Sri Lanka's largest Bodhi trees, cultivated from a sapling of the original Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. This remarkable tree stands as a quiet witness to the temple's ancient connections.
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