Ancient Thotagamu Rathpath Rajamaha Vehera

Ancient "Thotagamu Rathpath Rajamaha Vehera" holds a significant place among historical Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka. This place of worship which was named in the past as "Rathpath Vehera" due to the occupation of five hundred Arahant Bikkhus, is now known as "Rathpath Vehera". 

According to archaeological evidences, this place can be identified as a temple constructed during the reign f King Devanampiyatissa in Anuradhapura era. Further it is mentioned in Gira Sandesha that a "Disha statue" had been erected at this temple after the tidal waves during the reign of King Kelanitissa. 

Mahawamsa provides evidences that "Vijayaba pririvena" was built by King Vijayabahu I in Polonnaruwa era. Further it is mentioned in "Saddamma Sangraha" that a work named "Jina Charithaya" had been written by a bhikku called Medhankara Maha Thero occupied the temple in Dambadeniya era. 

During Kurunegala era, the King Panditha Parakkramabahu IV had reconstructed Vijayabahu Pirivena, cultivated Neralu gardens (coconut) and offered a Gamwara called "Salaggama" to the temple. According to the ancient wanshakatha, a thero called Kayasaththi had been the parivenadhipathi (chief incumbent of Pirivena) of Vijayaba Pirivena at that time. The golden era of Thotagamu Rathpath Vehera is the Kotte period. During this period, Vijayaba Pirivena emerged as an academy at international level under the guidance and leadership of Shadbhashaparameswara, Thripitika Wagiswaracharya, Great poet of Sinhala, most venerable Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Sangaraja Thero. 

In addition to Paravi Sandesha, Selalihini Sandesha, the great works of literature, the works such as Kavyashekaraya, Panchapradeepaya and Budhdhi Prasadaniya have also written by Sri Rahula Sangaraja Thero and the scholar called Ramachandra Bharathi were among those who were privileged to be the disciples of this Pirivena. 

The golden age of Thotagamu Rathpath Vehera came to the end after the death of Sri Rahula Thero. The temple was further destructed due to foreign invasions. Portuguese, who invaded coastal areas in the county in 1588 AD burnt down Buddhist temples. These incidents are confirmed by the documents of Portuguese period. During this period, Thotagamu Rathpath Vehera situated in Thelwattha area had also totally burnt down. However it marked the renaissance of the temple with the arrival of Pallaththara Punnasara Thero in year 1765. Since then the temple remains as a vihara belongs to Malwaththa chapter. 

Most venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero entered the order of Buddhist monks of the premises. Poya Seema Malakaya, where Sumangala Thero has been ordained, is still at the temple premises. Further stone pillar inscriptions belonging to Anuradhapura era. Foundation of Vijayaba Pirivena belonging to Polonnaruwa era, ancient Bo tree and other ruins believed to the evidences of the period, two shrines of Lord Buddha with paintings and sculptures of Kandy period, two ancient Devalas, Sanghika Treasury building, ancient awasa and stone pillars, preaching hall make witnesses to ancient history of this temple. 

📷 courtesy- LifeSriLanka-  Amanda Mendis