Explore Ambila Raja Maha Viharaya: A Hidden Gem in Matale
Sannas Kanda village in the Matale district of Sri Lanka is home to Ambila Raja Maha Viharaya also known as Ambila Temple, It may be a neo-Buddhist temple that primarily showcases exquisite architectural brilliance but in reality, it is symbol of art. This temple In history has many stories and to visit this temple people get the spiritual ark as well as architectural art. Historians always in search of a place away from the usual crowded tourists’ attractions get to enjoy at Ambila Temple.
Pivotal Importance Of Ambila Temple
The Foundation of the Establishment During the Reign of King Devanampiyatissa
Historically, the Ambila Temple has a tremendous capital of the period when the present civilization originated; The so-called great civilization of the sri lankans was in its parents during the reign of the king one Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC) currentTime Ambila Temple was established. Some of them are king Devanampiyatissa who had a great role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This temple received the royal patronage for over five hundred years, and hence was regarded as one of the most important places of Buddhism.
Ambila Temple is also connected with the Buddhist Council at Aluvihare. According to the tradition, Arahants – enlightened monks – allegedly took rest in the temple during the council. The historical background of the temple was proved by the name Ambariya Viharaya in Dhajagga Sutta – Majjhima Nikaya which has a significant role in the Buddhism of Sri Lanka.
In the Complex of Holy Sites: The Temple
There were centres such as Alu Viharaya, Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya, Ambila Temple – Embille Viharaya was also established during this period. Additional evidence to support this relationship is in the form of inscriptions seen on the artifacts buried in these sites.
Art and Architecture: A rare combination of historical features and fine workmanship
Rock Cave Shrine and statues of Buddha
Rock cave at the Ambila Temple is an image house where tourists can have surprise of seeing another statue of reclining buddha measuring 8.31 meters times 27 feet. Apart from the reclining Buddha there are three statues of standing Buddha and one seated statue, all of them looking serene.
Intricate Carvings and Murals
As with the inner sanctum of the temple, the walls depict significant other gods such as Vishnu, Saman and Vibhishana has been carved out. These carvings contribute to the creation of the spiritual atmosphere in the temple. In fact, the paintings brought inside the temple depict excellent pieces of art. The absolute novelty can be a piece called Vrushaba Hasthi Kunjaraya which is the painting of an elephant and a bull.
The important pictorial themes which are painted on the walls of the shrine room include the 24 Buddhas and the Festival of the Tooth Relic and floral design including lotus, blue water lilies, and olu flowers. These artworks give some indication of the path that local artistic trends have taken in Sri Lanka.
Culturally as well as Spiritually significant
Know more about Balumgala Rock and the historical beliefs held by people there.
One more interesting sight owing to which Ambila Temple is famous is Balumgala rock, which is situated outside the vihara. It was thought that this rock was used for vantage viewing since it provided a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Further folklore of the local people were also that there was an underground passage built of large stone running between Ambila Temple and Aluvihare.
The Dual Role of the Temple: Worship and Healing
The other installation in the complex includes a prehistoric circular stone water trough that may have been used for water conservation. It is most probable that water was suctioned to here for use in preparation of some of the medicines to be administered to the patients as part of healing process at this temple.
The 400-Year-Old Bo Tree
Locally known as Bodhi tree, there is a tree within the temple yard believed to be more than 400 years old. As per history of the locals it is believed that once a person by the name of Solanga took it from another place and planted it in Ambila Temple from where it grew. The tree called Solanga is also locally known by the name of the village Hulangamuwa, so it is considered sacred.
Preaching Hall and Other Architectural Design
The preaching hall of the temple has architectural features similar to that of Sanchi Stupa architectural hallmark of India. This construction of the temple aims at making it as historical as possible, and in relation to this, it help adds to the importance of the place as a centre for religious education and prayers.
Ambila Temple: I will describe a place that is opposite of the chaos and gives a person an opportunity to stay calm and think.
A target market can be simply described as a specific geographic, demographic, psychographic or behavioral group of consumers, and it is usually the focus of an advertising campaign A peaceful place to sit and contemplate.
Ambila Raja Maha Viharaya has this advantage of having fewer people, which makes it an excellent place of meditation. Lack of crowed and quiet location of the temple makes environment very peaceful and people can feel their spirituality so distinctly that they are unable to experience so easily in noisy and crowded places.
Visiting Ambila Temple: Practical Information
Location: Ambila Temple lies approximately 5 km from Matale which means that it is an easy half day trip from cities such as Kandy or Dambulla. The trek to temple is through forest area and shrubs covered hills which gives more beauty to the temple area.
Accessibility: Getting to Ambila Temple is very easy especially by using a taxi or an organized bus since the road is very beautiful passing through the countryside. This is easily accessible and the journey from Matale to the temple is off a tarred road making it even easier to reach there.
Best Time to Visit
One should ideally plan to visit Ambila Temple early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat and if the tourists wanted to visit the temple during lil season that is from december to march then there might be lot of tourists. Getting to the temple during any full moon day or any other events such as festivals would enable the participants to watch the normal conducts of the Buddhist rituals.
Conclusion: Cultural and Spiritual work of art
Ambila Raja Maha Viharaya empowers itself to be a vehicle of history, art and spirituality. Established in the time of King Devanampiyatissa, it depicts the best of Sri Lanka’s craftsmanship through depicting its elegant paintings, carving and structures. If you are hiking to Arch, Sri Lanka and want to find more about this beautiful country or if you have spend time simply contemplating, visiting Ambila Temple is a must. Its beautiful background, great historical complex, and beautiful art always make it an unforgettable experience for anyone passing through the middle part of the island.
