Dewanagala Temple

 

Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple in the Mawanella area of the Kegalle District which has been in news recently. Devanagala Temple is believed to be built during the era of King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186)  of Polonnaruwa Kingdom. There is also belief that the temple was first built by king Wattagamini Abaya, better known as King Walagamba (89-77 BC). This temple has housed the Dalada of the Buddha in the past and the ruins of this building still can be seen.

At a later date king Wimaladharmasuriya (1592 – 1604) of Kandyan Kingdom has also contributed towards development this temple.

One of the inscription at Devanagala has been made by King Parakramabahu who  describes the donation of land in the surrounding area to a commander of his army named Kirthi Nuwaragala (Kith Nuwara Gal), who lead a battalion to Burma on his victorious campaign against the Burmese King. The full translation of this inscription is found on the publication “Lakdiva Sellipi”  by Kothmale Amaravansha Thero published by M. D. Gunasena in 1969.

King Wimaladharmasuriya is regarded by some historians as the Kandyan Kingdom’s second founder, responsible for its revival. Born as  Konnappu Bandara, he was baptized under the Portuguese name of Don Juoao da Austria. In 1581 , the Portuguese placed Kusmasana Devi who was baptised as Dona Catherina as the rightful owner of the Throne to Kandy Kingdom.  King Rajasinghe I who ruled Sitawaka kingdom immediately overthrew her and annexed the Kandyan Kingdom to Sitawaka.

Konnapu Bandara was a commander of the Portuguese army but schemed with the Buddhist Priests to free Kandy from the Portuguese. In 1572, he renounced Christianity and embraced Buddhism and was consecrated as king Wimaladharmasuriya of the Kandyan Kingdom. To establish the royal bloodline, he married Kusumasana Devi and fought 2 very successful battles against the Portuguese who attempted to invade the kingdom.