Ancient Galpatha Rajamaha Viharaya...

...ANCIENT  GALAPATHA  RAJAMAHA WIHARAYA...

 

                        This is my village temple .It is  located in the area called Benthara in the Galle district of the Southern province. Galpatha Rajamaha Viharaya is the only place in the world where the Tooth Relic of Arahath Kasyapa resides💛. Most of people unknown about it. This is clearly stated in books such as the Pali Chulavansaya and Pujavaliya. 

                       This temple was built during the reign of king Devanampiyatissa and it is said that Arahants lived here. This Galpatha Wiharaya is also known as Galathuru mula , Benthara Wiharaya , Selanthara Wiharaya. King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe who ruled in Polonnaruwa , King Nishshankamalla and other kings also paid homage to Kashyapa and work for the development of Galpatha Rajamaha Viharaya.

There are stone pillars and pillars in the temple grounds and two watchtowers near the stupa. It`s simple. The ruins of the temple were buried in the past can still be seen. Today you can see the small rocks plateau and the stone pillars.

               A secret tunnel can be seen behind the Galpatha Viharaya and around this temple there are many temple such as the Kahagalla temple , the Bodhimaluwa temple , the Vanavasa temple , the Gane Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and all these temple belong to the Galpatha Rajamaha Viharaya. 

           There are various carving on the stone doorway. These carvings have identified evidence of the existence of dance in the Gampola period💜. An inscription can also be seen in this temple and its Galapatha Rajamaha Vihara describes the historical background. The antiquity of the this temple will be further illustrated by the paintings ,carvings and paintings. The Galapatha Perahara also takes to the streets once a year.

            Unfortunately , the authorities did not come forward to protect such a historic temple. It is my view that we as a youth should come forward to preserve our county in such a historic moment...💕