Galpoththawela Raja Maha Viharaya

Description

The Galpoththawela Raja Maha Viharaya, also known as Sri Pada Vihara, is a significant temple located in the Pelmadulla Kuttapitiya village on the western side of the Ratnapura District in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. This temple has a rich history, established by King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha.

Read More in Details

An interesting aspect of the Galpoththawela Vihara is its role during the off-season of Sri Pada worship. The temple houses the statue of the Samana god and other important religious items previously kept at the Palabaddala temple. 1934, these items were moved to the Galpoththawela Vihara due to security concerns. This shift marked a significant moment in the temple's history, as it became the new guardian of these revered artifacts.

The temple is under Dhammadhinna Thero's guidance, who plays a pivotal role in its upkeep and spiritual activities. The temple's location is quite accessible, as it can be reached via the Vidyala Mawatha road in Pelmadulla, offering routes from both Colombo and Ambilipiya. This accessibility makes it a destination for both local devotees and tourists seeking to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka.