Muhudu Maha Viharaya

At a Glance

As the ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka tell us, this site marks the location where Princess Devi of the Kelaniya kingdom wash up from the sea after being sent away as an offering to the gods.

The Story 

Situated on the Pothuwil beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka, this monastery complex was rediscovered under British rule after years of neglect.

According to the ancient chronicles the Rajavaliya, and the Mahavamsa, in the second century BCE the kingdom of Kelaniya was submerged by the sea to punish the king for his disrespect of an arhat. At that time, Devi the daughter of the King of Kelaniya was cast to sea in a golden barge to appease the gods, but she washed ashore near the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuwil. King Kavan Tissa of the Ruhuna Kingdom, hearing of her arrival, took her as his main consort and she was called Viharamahadevi. 

Inscriptions found at the site provide a different history, indicating that the monastic complex was built by King Dhatusena in the 5th century CE. At that time it was known as Ruhunu Maha Vihara.

Coordinates: 6° 52′ 39″ N, 81° 50′ 20″ E