Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya

Sankapala Rajamaha Viharaya is a beautiful old temple located at the foot of a scenic hill near Pallebedda town on the Ratnapura Embilipitiya road.

According to the Mahavamsa and the Thupavamsa, King Dutugemunu, one of the ten great giants named Phussadeva lived in this Sankapala area. He was a man who worked hard for the victories of the war as a skilled archer, chanting victory numbers in battle. According to the legends, the giant hakgediya who sang Jayasanka for victory is placed on the top of the Sankapala Vihara. After a while, this giant is frustrated with life. He himself has built this Sankapala Vihara. He later became the Thero of Phussadeva. Historical sources also state that the Vidas later became more Rahat.

Three of the old caves at the foot of the Sankapala Hills have been converted into Buddhist temples. A dagoba which is believed to have been built by burying the ashes of Arahant Phussadeva can be seen on a stone plateau about 2 km away from the temple, near the Embilipitiya main road. Today this place is known as “Phussadeva Tomb”.

Also, the Sankapala Vihara is a temple that has been consecrated twice. Also a temple where three eras can be seen. This can be described as the Anuradhapura era, the Kandy era and the recent era. Also, the Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya, which was completely cleansed by the grace of the Arahant, is another historical site that has colored our genealogy.