Great seat of learning Vijayaba Pirivena
Text and Pic: D. C. de Silva - Kahawa Special
|
The Ven. Gammeddegoda Punnasara Nayaka Thera handing over the
file to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
|
It was in 1588, the Portuguese set ablaze the main temples and kovils
on the coastal belt between Chilaw and Matara. The Gonakovita in Chilaw
and Vijayaba Pirivena affiliated to Telwatte, Totagamu Ratpath Rajamaha
Vihara were among them.
It was 35 years after the demise of the then Viharadhipathi
Totagamuwe Sri Rahula Sangharaja Maha Thera.
Vijayaba Pirivena affiliated to Totagamu Viharaya was a product of
the then King of Magama, Vijayabahu I.
The present Viharadipathi Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha, Gammeddegoda
Punnasara Nayaka Thera recently handed over a file containing all
historical facts relating to the Totagamu Viharaya to President Mahinda
Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat hoping for the President's
early visit to admire the ruins left in the Temple.
The Ven. Thera said, that the then Ruhunu Magama Kings such as
Dutugemunu and the Vijayabahu I, were keenly interested in there well
being of the Temple. King Vijayabahu I, set up the Pirivena at the
temple ground and named it after him.
|
