Yudaganawa
Description
The Yudaganawa Temple, located near Buttala on the Wellawaya–Buttala Road in Sri Lanka, is a remarkable historical and religious site. Its origins date back to the 2nd century BC and hold great significance in Sri Lankan history. It is renowned for being one of the largest stupas in the country. It is deeply entwined with the legendary tales of Prince Tissa and his brother Prince Gamini, who later became King Dutugemunu. This site is believed to be the battleground where the siblings clashed after the demise of their father, King Kavanthissa.
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The temple's most striking feature is its colossal stupa, which has a massive circumference of 317 meters (1038 feet). Initially thought to be a Kota Vehera, the stupa comprises a more extensive structure built halfway, topped with a more miniature stupa. This unique architectural style is seen in only four such stupas across the country, each with minor variations.
Despite years of neglect, the stupa is currently undergoing restoration. Visitors can observe massive trees still rooted on the upper platform of the stupa, a testament to its age and the long period of abandonment. Walking around the stupa reveals the clearing and excavation efforts, unearthing the stupa's platform by about three feet.
Near the Yudaganawa stupa, in a place called Udagama, lies the Chulangi Viharaya. This site consists of a group of ancient brick structures that once formed the ceremonial core of a monastery dating back to the Polonnaruwa period (11th to 13th century). The most prominent design here is a small stupa on an elevated platform surrounded by a circulatory path. The site also contains remnants of Pathimagara or Pilgrimage, which were halls used to venerate Buddha images. Notably, remnants of a Buddha sculpture dating back to the mid-Anuradhapura period (6th or 7th century) are still present. During the Polonnaruwa period, erecting new buildings to house older statues from decaying monuments was common.
About 1 km west of Chulangani Viharaya lies the Yudaganawa Wewa, a tank attributed to King Mahasena from the Anuradhapura period. This tank is a popular spot for birdwatching in the Buttala area, adding to the natural beauty and historical richness of the Yudaganawa Temple area.
