Badulla Katharagama Devalaya
Badulla Kataragama Devalaya is an ancient devalaya, situated in Badulla, Sri Lanka. It is a devalaya that is dedicated to the Sinhalese deity Kataragama deviyo, whose main and major shine is situated at south part of the island at Kataragama. The devalaya has been formally recognised by the government as an archaeological protected monument.
The exact date of the devalaya's construction is not known, but it is believed that it was built in the 17th century, under the patronage of King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1604) who ruled the Kingdom of Kandy.
Badulla, where the Devalaya is situated, was a sub-kingdom of the Kandyan kingdom. At the end of August 1630 the Badulla territory was invaded by the Portuguese Army, under the leadership of General Constantino de Sa. According to the reports they ransacked and looted the entire city and had destroyed thousand of rice stalks and all the cattle that they could find in the countryside. It is reported that the original buildings of devalaya were also destroyed by the Portuguese army. Soon after the devastation, the devalaya was restored and re-endowed by King Rajasinghe II (1635-1687).
Special places in Badulla
-
Muthiyangana Raja Maha ViharaMuthiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya lies in the centre of the city of Badulla. The History of this temple goes back to the time of Buddha but this area around Badulla goes way back in to the time of 19th -18th century BCE.
-
Dowa Raja Maha ViharayaDowa Raja Maha Viharaya (Dowa Cape Temple) lies few kilometres away from the Bandarawela town on the Bandarawela – Badulla Road. This temple is thought to be done by King Walagamba in the in first century BC.
-
Bogoda Wooden BridgeThe Bogoda Wooden Bridge was built in the 16th century during the Dambadeniya era. This is said to be the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka. The bridge is situated at 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) west of Badulla.
-
Dunhinda FallsDunhinda Falls is situated about 5 km away from Badulla town. It is 63 meters high and is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The falls gets its name dew to the smoky dew drops spray.
