Area Visit Places

Description

The Bentota Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the time of King Dutugemunu. His brother King Saddhatissa (137- 119 BC) erected this temple and presented it to the sangha. During earlier times it was known as the Galaturumula Temple and many arhats lived neaerby. In the thirteenth century CE, King Parakramabahu the Second visited the temple and for three days, venerated the arhat’s tooth relic, holding meritorious festivals at the temple. The temple is entered through a stone doorway which consists of two upright and two horizontal wooden pillars. The upright pillars contain elaborate carvings of the Narilatha motif, which possibly date back to the Kandyan period. The main temple building contains an array of statues and murals of Lord Buddha, the largest being a 25-foot reclining Buddha statue. An ancient dagoba at the temple is believed to house the tooth relic of Anubuddha Maha Kassyapa Arahat – one of the key disciples of Lord Buddha. This has made the temple a revered place of worship for the Buddhist community. The temple hosts a grand annual parade in December, which attracts many tourists.