Historic Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya – Gatabaruwa Temple Kotapola

        This Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya is located on the top of a beautiful hill in the Kotapola area between Morawaka and Deniyaya road in Sri Lanka. This temple is a Buddhist temple.

Situated at an elevation of 458 meters above sea level, this great shrine is an ancient cave temple with a very ancient history. It is believed that the name ‘Gatabaruwa’ has been given to this temple as the devotees who go here make offerings at this temple to fulfill their wishes.

History has it that this magnificent temple was built by King Walagamba. This Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya was built in a cave where King Walagamba lived. In fact, before the restoration work of this cave temple, we can confirm from the evidence found in this sacred place that this sacred place is a Buddhist shrine.

Surrounded by the Rakwana Range, on the one hand, the Sinharaja Rainforest on the other, and the Morawak Korala Range on the other, the Gatabaruwa Maha Viharaya is considered to be the abode of God Rajjuru Bandara, the sole protector of the devotees.  

Read History of Gatabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya…

If the Esala Perahera at Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is able to attract the attention of the devotees. There is no shortage of devotees who perform rituals. Devotees who come to the Maha Viharaya and confess their sufferings to the god Rajjuru Bandara strongly believe that God will surely bless them. Really very inspiring. Go and see when you can. Whether these stories are true or not, you can experience them for yourself.

    If you go here, you can see the “Kataram” in the cave of this cave temple.

What are these “Kataram”?

     These Kataram are designed to prevent rainwater from seeping into the cave. Due to the Kataram irrigation, those inside the cave can be protected from the rain during the rainy season.

Eighteen cubit Buddha statue

   There is no doubt that the 18 cubit Buddha statue seen in the Maha Viharaya will be able to increase the devotion of the devotees who go there. In the Buddha statue, a statue of Arahant Mugalan can be seen at the foot of the Buddha, and next to Sirasa, a statue of Arahant Sariyuth can be seen. Also, the temples of the god Rajjuru Bandara and the god Vishnu and Kataragama can be seen on either side of the statue.

Route from Colombo to Gatabaruwa Maha Viharaya:

• Coming from the Southern Expressway, exit the Welipenna exit and take the  Palawatta-Neluwa – Morawaka road.
• The journey is about 175 km.
• Travel time is 5 hours.

Route from Galle to Gatabaruwa Maha Viharaya:

• If you are coming from the Southern Expressway you have to leave the Imaduwa or Godagama exit.
• The journey is about 76 km.
• Travel time is 3 hours.

It is an opportunity to make offerings to the god Rajjuru Bandara and obtain His blessings for sure. Come on in, take a look and enjoy yourself!

See More Gatabaruwa Temple Pictures