Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in

Hambantota District Hambantota District ( si, හම්බන්තොට දිස්ත්‍රික්කය ''hambantoṭa distrikkaya''; ta, அம்பாந்தோட்டை மாவட்டம் ''Ampāntōṭṭai māvaṭṭam'') is a district i ...

, South Eastern Sri Lanka. Situated 18 km east of the pilgrimage town Katharagama, it is believed to have been built in the 2nd century B.C by king Kavantissa. Sithulpawwa Vihara can be reached by travelling 18 miles along the Tissamaharama-Yodhakandiya road towards the

Yala National Park Yala (යාල) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have ind ...

. The name Sithulpawwa is derived from the word "Chiththala Pabbatha", which means "the hill of the quiet mind". Sithulpawwa temple

This monastery was a place of worship for devotees as well as a center of Buddhist education for Buddhist monks. Paintings of the

Anuradhapura Anuradhapura ( si, අනුරාධපුරය, translit=Anurādhapuraya; ta, அனுராதபுரம், translit=Aṉurātapuram) is a major city located in north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central ...

era and the ruins of stone Buddha images, Bodhisattva images, Image Houses, Circular Relic Houses are spread throughout the monastery premises. The present chief incumbent of Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara is Ven. Metaramba Hemarathana Nayake Thera. King Gajabahu placed a stone inscription where it states that the tax received from the court must be paid to the monks of this monastery.

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Sithulpawwa
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya Buddhist temples in Hambantota District Stupas in Sri Lanka Archaeological protected monuments in Hambantota District

See also

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