Attanagalla, an ancient royal temple just an hour’s drive from Negombo

Just an hour’s drive from Negombo is Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya, one of the most venerated ancient royal temples in Sri Lanka.

It features sculptures donated by the Chien Fo Shan Buddhist community in Taiwan in remembrance of the Most Venerable Chan (Zen) Master Bai Yun.

The sculptures were presented on a full moon day in May 2012 on the anniversary of Bai Yun’s death.The temple is a registered archaeological site, and includes a Vatadage, which is the only classical round temple in Sri Lanka that is still intact, though modified in recent times.

King Sirisangabo

Inside the Vatadage are very old murals and sculptures illustrating King Sirisangabo’s story.

It is unique in being the only ancient temple historically recognised as a place where a Bodhisattva fulfilled one of the ten perfections (Dana Paramita) to become a future Buddha.Known by the name of King Sri Sangabo (247-249 AD), he is recognised in the chronicles and other ancient literature of Sri Lanka as the most pious Buddhist king in Sri Lankan history.

After King Sri Sangabo, his brother Gothabhaya (249-262 AD) became the king of the country and built a stupa at the place where his brother, Bodhisattva Sri Sangabo, made the great sacrifice by fulfilling a parami.

Arahanthship

According to the Attanagalla Vihara Chronicle, during the reign of King Upatissa (365-406 AD), one of the monks, having practiced meditation, attained Arahanthship (enlightenment) at this temple.King Upatissa was very pleased to hear this, and built a five-story monastery, which he offered to the Maha Sangaha.

Another important archaeological artefact is the Vatadage, the only one in Sri Lanka that is still intact, though heavily modified at various times. The temple is attributed to king Gotabaya (253-266 AD).

On poya days, thousands of worshippers visit the site, but at other times the peaceful atmosphere is very soothing.