Location Pottuvil, Sri Lanka Province Eastern province District Ampara District | Affiliation Buddhism Phone +94 71 350 1655 Architectural type Buddhist temple | |
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Heritage designation Archaeological protected monument Address Muhudu Maha Vihara, Jalaldeen squear Beach Road Pottuvil-, Sri Lanka Founder Kavan Tissa, Prince of Ruhuna Similar Magul Maha Viharaya, Arugam Bay, Kumana National Park, Dighavapi, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara | ||
Muhudu Maha Viharaya (මුහුදු මහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently the ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.
This viharaya marks the landing place of Viharamahadevi, daughter of Kelani Tissa, who was destined to become the queen of King Kavan Tissa of the Rohana kingdom. According to the ancient chronicle Rajavaliya, it is stated that in the second century BC after Kelaniya was submerged by the sea due to a natural disaster, Devi the daughter of King of Kelaniya was cast to sea in a Golden Vessel to appease the gods, and washed ashore near the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuwil. Later she became the main consort of king Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna Kingdom, under the name Viharamahadevi.