Overview

Believed to be more than 2000 years old, when Buddhism was first established in the island, the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the few monuments in the Galle district that explains the history of Sri Lanka. It was established during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa of the Anuradhapura period, when one of the first saplings from the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree was planted here. The monastery was built by the king Dewanampiyathissa who ruled the country more than 2000 years. Possessing some intricate works of art originating from various kingdoms, the temple showcases how religion is deeply intertwined with the way of life. There are amazing creations of ancient Ceylonese who made for Buddhist Monks. Buddha statue older more than 2300 years which extremely present most of the emotions of Lord Buddha. That statue is a great example for the stone carving methods of ancient Sri Lanka. The temple is not a very crowd at always where ancient ruins were kept safety. Many Buddhist paints which created 100% natural ingredients add a fantastic thing for visitors.

Buddhist monastery consists of giant granite boulders which belong to a rocky garden, there are many archeological facts on this pilgrims site which belong to Buddhist Civilization. In front of the temple fully covered by a huge paddy field a picturesque with a stunning view. A sacred Bo tree, a huge statue of Lord Buddha and intricate wall murals are a few of the other notable sights of interest at the Yatagala Temple. The Cavern formed by four huge granite boulders was also turned into a Meditation Hall and granite Samadhi Buddha Statue was installed inside. Archeologist believe that the great granite boulders that stand guard around the Bo tree in elephantine stature are infact a kind of rocky garden, the reason why who ever planted the bo tree may have chosen this place for that purpose. In more recent times Yatagala was declared a Sacred Area and development work was initiated to restore it to past glory. Whilst the State developed the infra-structure facilities, the Dayakas of the temple came forward with donations to put up a Golden Fence around the Bodhi Tree and also installed a Samadhi Buddah statue under the majestic bo tree.