Dilan Indika S.
Google
The Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is a significant Buddhist rock temple located in Amunugama, near Kandy, Sri Lanka. The temple, known for its vibrant Kandyan-era frescoes, was constructed during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747–1782) and completed under his brother, Rajadhi Rajasinha. The temple’s historical background is preserved in the Degaldoruwa Tamba Sannasa, a copper plate detailing its royal land grant. According to local folklore, the temple’s creation began after a farmer discovered a treasure of golden sickles hidden between two large boulders, a story that led King Kirti Sri Rajasinha to instruct the building of the temple.
The temple itself is carved from a 12.3-meter-high rock, comprising three main chambers: a drumming hall (digge), an image house (Budu-ge), and the main shrine room, which houses a reclining Buddha. The image house is adorned with murals depicting scenes from the Jātaka tales, while the shrine room features exquisite paintings and a large reclining Buddha statue.
The murals, painted by four notable artists, include a striking depiction of Buddha’s spiritual battle with Māra on the ceiling, showcasing the unique stylistic elements and intricate detailing characteristic of the Kandyan painting tradition.