Maniyangama Raja Maha Viharaya

  

Maniyangama Raja Maha Viharaya, located about 4 kilometers from Avissawella along the Avissawella–Panawala road, is a historically significant cave temple in Sri Lanka. Also known as Gala Yata Viharaya, it is nestled amidst natural rock formations and lush greenery, offering visitors a blend of history, legend, and tranquility. A drip-ledged rock cave and a small white dagoba under a boulder highlight the temple's ancient monastic roots and serene charm.

Originally referred to as Thambalagama during the Anuradhapura era, this location was a key junction in the ancient road system. It gained strategic importance during the Kingdom of Sitawaka, serving as a crossroads for military campaigns involving Kotte, Sitawaka, and the Portuguese. The temple architecture features unique Kandyan-style layered roofs, adding distinct character to the site.

The shrine room is entered through a Makara Torana and contains statues of a reclining Buddha, standing Buddha, and the deity Vishnu. The faded Kandyan-era murals and ceiling floral motifs, though weathered by time and past vandalism, retain their spiritual and artistic essence. Restoration by the Archaeology Department has helped preserve much of the temple’s structure and beauty.

Legend associates the temple with King Valagamba, who is believed to have taken refuge here during his exile. Later, King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe officially restored and renamed the temple. Today, it continues to host the annual Karal Perahera on the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day in January. Other highlights include the Kirthi Dharmasalawa and a trail leading to a rock pool, making the site ideal for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and architectural admirers.