Thotagamu Rathpath Rajamaha Viharaya,The Abode of Ven. Sri Rahula Thero

 

The Historic Thotagamu Rathpath Rajamaha Viharaya: The Abode of Ven. Sri Rahula Thero

Nestled near the coastal town of Hikkaduwa in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, the ancient temple of Thotagamu Rathpath Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the scenic village of Telwatta. This sacred site is widely renowned as the historic residence of Ven. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thero, a legendary monk, exceptional poet, and a master scholar celebrated as Shad Bhasha Parameshwara (Supreme Master of Six Languages). The golden era of this temple dates back to the 15th century, during the prosperous reign of King Parakramabahu VI of the Kotte Kingdom. 

Historically, this temple served as the foundation for the Thotagamuwe Vijayaba Pirivena, a premier educational hub of ancient Sri Lanka. It was a distinguished seat of learning where numerous local and foreign languages were taught. It is within the inspiring quietude of this very temple that timeless masterpieces of Sinhalese literature, such as the Salalihini Sandeshaya, Paravi Sandeshaya, and Kavyashekaraya, were penned. 

Although the temple suffered severe destruction during the period of Portuguese rule, it was beautifully restored during the Kandyan era under the patronage of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. 

Artistic and Sacred Marvels of the Temple

Visiting the temple today offers a glimpse into the artistic grandeur of the Kandyan kingdom, showcased through its preservation of ancient murals. The shrine room houses a majestic reclining Buddha statue, beautifully surrounded by traditional sculptures and frescoes. Visitors can also view historic ola-leaf manuscripts, sacred relic caskets, and rare personal artifacts meticulously used and preserved from the era of Ven. Sri Rahula Thero. 

Before composing the Kavyashekaraya, Ven. Sri Rahula Thero is said to have sought divine blessings at the ancient Natha Devalaya located within the premises. Folklore attributes his profound wisdom and unparalleled intellect to the divine grace of Lord Natha and the miraculous virtues of the Saraswathi Thailaya (a sacred medicinal oil). Because of this enduring belief, the temple remains a popular sanctuary where parents continuously bring their school-aged children to invoke blessings for their education. 

A unique feature of this temple is the seamless co-existence of Buddhist iconography and Hindu deities, highlighted by a prominent statue of Lord Natha. The intricate craftsmanship of the local artisans is beautifully captured in the delicate drapery of the statues, the Siraspatha (flame-like halo over the Buddha's head), and the expressive detail in their eyes. 

At the entrance of the shrine room, a magnificent Makara Thorana (Dragon Arch) and finely carved stone guard-stones (Muragal) stand as a testament to the proud heritage of Sri Lankan stone carving. Scattered across the temple courtyard, a few ancient stone pillars still remain, serving as silent witnesses to the structure that survived Portuguese destruction. Today, this precious historical site is protected and preserved by the Department of Archaeology. 

Travel Guide: How to Get There

• From Colombo:

If you are traveling along the Colombo - Galle Main Road, turn at the Telwatta Junction. The temple is located just about 100 meters down the road. 

• From Seenigama:

If you are visiting the famous Seenigama Devalaya, make sure to add this temple to your itinerary. It is located just 2 km north (towards Colombo) from Seenigama. 

Nearby Attractions to Explore

To maximize your day trip, you can easily explore these fascinating sites located just minutes away from the temple: 

• Honganji Viharaya (1 km away):

Located along the main Colombo-Galle road, this temple was built with the generous support of Japanese Buddhists following the devastating 2004 Tsunami to strengthen Sri Lanka-Japan friendship. It features a towering standing Buddha statue modeled after the historic Bamiyan Buddha statues. 

• Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines (1.5 km away):

Meetiyagoda is world-famous as one of the very few places on earth where the rare, translucent blue moonstones are mined naturally. 

• Peraliya Tsunami Memorial & Photo Museum (500m away):

Located at the Telwatta junction, this poignant monument and museum honors the thousands of lives lost during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami through a collection of moving photographs and memories. 

• Food Tip:

While exploring Peraliya, don't forget to stop by the Peraliya Beach Restaurant. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful, relaxing views of the blue ocean.