The beautiful temples and shrines of Sri Lanka which showcase the grandeur of the country’s glory days, are well worth visiting! There is a myriad of attractions that you can visit if you are interested in the culture and history of the land.
The enchanting Magul Maha Viharaya is located in Lahugala, Ampara District. It is a temple that must not be missed when traveling in the region. It is located in close proximity to the Lahugala National Park.
History of The Magul Maha Viharaya.
The temple is believed to have been built by King Kavantissa who ruled the island between 205 and 161 BC. It is said that the great king built this temple on the spot where he married Viharamahadevi, the daughter of King Kelani Tissa. Some other records as well as stone inscriptions found at the temple give rise to the speculation that the grand temple was built by King Datusena (463-479 AD). Several kings who ruled in the country in later centuries have renovated this temple too.
There are lots of beautifully preserved ruins which can be found onsite. It makes Magul Maha Viharaya a true archaeological gem. There is an image shrine, a Bo tree, stupa as well as a small shrine with a unique moonstone to witness here. The feature of the moonstone which makes it quite special is the way that riders have been carved on the backs of elephants.
The road that leads up to the temple falls across a beautiful reservoir where brilliant lotuses bloom. It is believed that this majestic complex would have at one point in time covered about 10,000 acres!
You can visit this beautiful temple with great ease if you are traveling in the island with Green Holiday Centre. Do try to read about the places that you are planning to visit. So you will be able to make your tours a lot more interesting and insightful.
