Located at proximity to a sleepy little town called Lahugala in the district of Ampara, lies a temple that is surrounded by an immaculate natural landscape. Known by the name Magul Maha Viharaya, the temple was once the centrepiece of all religious monuments built during the era of Ruhuna. Though much of the temple’s structures have fallen under ruins, It still features well-preserved specimens dagobas, intricately carved moonstones, pillars guard stones, and more!
The origins of the temple take us back to as far as the second century BCE during which it was built under the patronage of King Kawantissa. The temple was expanded and was constantly renovated by several other kings who followed Kavan Tissa but unfortunately due to the abandonment of the site, the temple and its structures slowly started deteriorating. But during the site’s golden days, it had even served as a place that taught the ways of Buddhism to young monks. Historic evidence state that there was even a time when over 12000 monks inhabited the temple premises – this fact alone is enough to give you a glimpse of how large the temple complex might have been.
Today, a staggering amount of ruins can be observed at the site, and yet the temple’s image shrine, the stupa along with a sacred fig tree is still remaining intact being well-preserved from the elements. The ambience at the site too emits a positive aura and it tends to fill your hearts with an inexplicable sense of calmness and tranquillity. The temple also being located within the bounds of the Lahugala National Park, offers you a glimpse of local wildlife as well. The purple-faced langur, the notorious torque macaques, the sambar, other species of deer, and a variety of endemic and migratory birds are some of the common species of wildlife that you could spot during your tour of the temple site.
If you plan on visiting here during your stay in Sri Lanka, it is recommended that you get in touch with a local tour operator for they will arrange an excursion to the site with an experienced guide. During your visit, make sure that you wear light clothing that could keep you cool from exceeding levels of humidity and the tropical sun.
