Rammanda Pokuna Maha Viharaya

The Theravada Buddhist Temple known as a Rammanda Pokuna Maha Viharaya is situated in a historical area known as Sath Koralaya, which in fact an amalgamated area of seven regions (07) is known as Hathpattu. The Hiriyala Hathpattu Region, a one of the seven areas, is located alongside the Deduru Oya which demarcated the boundaries of historical provincial Kingdoms Raja Rata and Maya Rata. It is said that the name “Hiriyala” emanated from the abundant availability of limestone’s or “Hiriyal” in this area. The available historical evidence such as epigraphs, tanks, old temples and devalas prove that “Hiriyala” had been habited from the olden days. Folk traditions further elaborate historical relationship with Kuveni to this area while it is said King Walagamba was also hiding in Hiriyala area. An epigraph depicting the memorandum understanding between the King Gajaba and King Parakkramabahu is also found in this area in addition to the ruins of the palace of Queen Kalyanawathie. Even today the main railway line from Colombo to Jaffna and main road way from Kurunegala to Trincomalee are also running across Hiriyala. The Gokarella Town which is the closest town to our temple is located along the main road from Kurunegala to Dambulla on the 20th milepost. Kekirihenpitiya village is located above 3km to the left of the Gokarella town. Kekirihenpitiya is a village surrounded by mountains and in one of the mountain top a beautiful rocky plain could be found. On the top of the rocky plain a miraculous view could be seen. On the West most famous Dolukanda mountain is visible while from the East the Matale mountain range can be seen. The Rammanda Pokuna Buddhist Temple is located in a cave situated under the rocky plain.

The folklore suggested that this temple was built by a regional leader known as Minister Tissa who had been on a fact finding mission for the King of up country Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe who ruled Kandy between 1749-1780. When Minister Tissa was on this mission he came across this cave and decided to build a temple (a Tampita Vihara). It is said that as the outset the temple was built on pillars. In fact it is stated that in 1935 Pudukkulame Dhammapala Nayaka Thero had seen the pillar temple in a dilapidated condition.