An Archeological and Religious Study of Sagama Rajamaha Vihara and Sagami Rock Inscription
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Date
2018
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
This study is based on the site of the Sagama Rajamaha Vihara belonging to the Pathahewahete Divisional Secretariat Office of the Kandy District. The word "Sagama" means six Villages. It is surrounded by six villages namely Nugaliyadda, BEttawatta, Godamunna, Kapuliyadda, Haputale and Mahamedagama. Research problem of this Study is how far devotees followed by the ancient rite, ceremonies, and what were the archeological heritages depicted from the site of the Sagama Rajamaha Vihara. The data for this study was collected from a field study and the relevant books and articles related to this field. The method followed for this paper is to draw a narrative by interpreting the research findings and information included in the Sagama rock inscription. The paintings of the old vihara belong to the Gampola era. The Bo Tree which is the great significant of the heritage of this temple. It is mentioned that forty-five acres of the Village of Haputale have been offered to the Sagama Vihara by two soldiers namely Alakeswara and Devamantri of the six Bhuvanekabahu, king of the Gampola Kingdom. There is an annual rite called Budumagula' which is the great offering to the Bo tree. In this Study, Archeological heritage and religious background could be identified from the Sagama Rajamaha Vihara premise and rock inscription established in the village of Nugaliyadda.
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Keywords
Archaeology, Religion, Buddhism