Agrabodhi Rajamaha Temple Weligama


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Agrabodhi Raja Maha temple which is very famous historical temple located at Weligama area. The temple site compares a small hillock and collection of surrounding flat lands. According to 'Sinhala Bodhivansa', origin of this temple goes beyond the period of establishment of Buddhism in Ceylon (Ruhunu Pudabima, 1996). In history it says, the temple head partially destroyed because of the Portuguese attacks in the sixteenth century and later start to reconstruct at the period of King 'Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe' in 1747. Before you reach into Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple please read Temples in Weligama article.


Unique architectural design of Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple

The temple is located away from the Weligama town area. It is located about one Kilometer from the Weligama rest house towards inland. The surrounded flat land is most probably consisted with residential unit. The temple is the only built form, which is located at the summit of the hillock. Thus it enhance the concept of temple which is built away form the settlements. The flat land is surrounded by a small wood. It acts as a separation in between the temple and outer settlement. The built up boundary wall, which is decorated by rhythmic pattern called 'Walakulubemma', is provided only for the front territory, where the land attaches with the road.

The access way to the temple premises is provided by passing flat land and then flight of steps. The main entrance is highlighted by providing a decorated pandol with a roof structure. This main entrance gates obviously express the concept of a demarcation of the religious place from the outer world. The secondary entry is also provided by built form.

Entrance to Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple
Buddha statue in the entrance

Stupa of Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple

The bell shape 'Stupa' is located at the highest place of the land as a focal point of the surrounded environment. This monumental sculpture reflections prominence and majesties of the place. It placed on a sandy courtyard.
Stupa in Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple

Bo-tree of Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple

The massive Bo-tree create more shady, calm and tranquil environment as suitable to practice rituals individually. The white boundary wall, which creates to demarcate the Bo-tree premises, is well decorated by mouldings. Mythical and elephant figures of with less contrast colour scheme give aesthetic quality.

The Image house consists with an inner residential chamber for the Buddha images inter mediate space around it and outer verandah. At the inner chamber there are three Buddha statues are created on three different positions. The unbelievable height, dark, gloomy environment, well-decorated ornaments, mouldings, wall paintings could be identified at the inner chamber.
Bo tree in Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple
Image house Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple

How to get here?

Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple is located near by Siddhartha college - Weligama. Travelers can easily reach into Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple simply by walking from city center.



Articles about other Buddhist temples around Weligama area.

Bodhimalu Temple
Agrabodhi Rajamaha Temple
Rajakulawadana Rajamaha Temple
Gangarama Maha Temple
Sri Gangarama Rajamaha Temple
Polwathumodara Temple
Sri Sudarshanaramaya Temple


Places nearby:

Taprobane Island
The Swining Chair Weligama
Agrabodhi Rajamaha temple
Rajakulawadana Rajamaha temple
Fisheries Harbour
Bodhimalu temple


Last Updated on: 2019/05/30

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