Plea to preserve antiquities at Rammandapokuna Raja Maha Viharaya
M.A.R. Manukulasooriya, Hiriyala group corr.
A large number of antiquities at Rammandapokuna Raja Maha Viharaya at
Kekirihenpitiya in the Ibbagamuwa D.S. division are fast deteriorating
and will be lost for ever unless the Department of Archaeology takes
swift measures to preserve them.
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The Vihara Mandiraya is in a dilapidated state.
Pictures from Chandrathilaka Rathanayake, Ibbagamuwa special
correspondent |
The old Vihara Mandiraya of this temple is in a dilapidated state.
Its walls are cracked. The roof of this Vihara Mandiraya has
deteriorated and the moisture from water leaks on rainy days is a threat
to the Mandiraya.
Chronological sources reveal that this temple had been built during
the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe in the Kandyan era. History
records that King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe had visited this temple often.
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The unprotected foot print of the Buddha |
There is a rare sacred foot print of Buddha carved on a stone inside
this Vihara Mandiraya. It is similar to the foot print of Buddha at Sri
Pada. The wall paintings have turned discoloured and are peeling off.
The wood carvings found in this Vihara Mandiraya are similar to those at
Ambekke Devalaya.
Ven. Meegamuwe Nandarathana Thera of Rammandapokuna Temple said no
archaeological research had been carried out at this site so far. No
harm has been caused to the foot print as it is carved on a rock. But
the wall paintings and other antiquities have to be preserved on behalf
of the future generation.
"I kindly request the Department of Archaeology to look into this
matter and take action to preserve these invaluable antiquities", the
Ven. Thera said. |
