Reswehera (Sesseruwa) Rajamaha Viharaya රැස්වෙහෙර (සැස්සේරුව) රජ මහා විහාරය

Discovering the serene Raswehera Statue is a tranquil journey, but be prepared for a 3km offroad stretch when traveling from Awukana. While most of the route is manageable, this specific section may pose challenges for low ground clearance vehicles.
Old Japanese cars, Maruti, and Alto cars
can handle it, but caution is advised, especially during rainy weather.
The peaceful ambiance at Raswehera is worth the visit, with the majority of the journey offering a smoother experience.

Sasseruwa, the ancient Rajamaha Vihara, is a Buddhist temple complex belonging to the Anuradhapura era. The standing Buddha statue bearing the Abhaya Mudra here is one of the largest ancient statues in the country. Drip caves and many inscriptions can be seen throughout the area. There is also a Bodhi belonging to the Detis Phala Ruha Bodhis in the temple grounds. The stupa was recently built. It has been suggested that the temple was built during the reign of King Varagamba and the statue was built during the reign of King Mahasen. This implies to some extent the Mahayana characteristics of Abhayagiri. Ruins of several other buildings are scattered across the area. Many renovations belonging to the Kandy period can also be seen here.

A Buddha statue built during the Anuradhapura period. It is said in history that the Aukana Buddha statue was made by the student and the Reswehera Buddha statue by the teacher.

Reswehera is avery beautiful and a must visit historical place. Although the road ahead is difficult, the difficulty also increases the value here. There are 2 ways to reach the temple, of which the path from the middle of the reserve is difficult, but it is the shortest way. (Attention: - Wild elephants hang out on this road). Go here and experience the wonder and worship here.

An ancient temple near Awkana. There supposed to be 2 statues of which one is inside the temple which is kept locked and opened only upon request. But it could have kept open at leas on week-end (and with police protection if needed as there is a police post where many were idling) as it is not feasible to climb down to request when we find it closed. Further, there are several huge solid stone pillars some more than 15 feet long and unbroken (with many broken ones) that would interest you to explore into ancient technologies!

#Ras_Vehera

It will be a shortcoming of the trip to a certain extent if those who have worshiped the Aukana idol, which is known as a great work of art, do not go to see the idols of Rath Vehera or Sasseruva. Those coming from Aukana can come to Rashweherat or Sasseruva via Bulnawa, Galnawa. Or someone going towards Anuradhapura along the Ella road can come from Galgamuwa to Rashwehera. (For those coming from Galgamu, you can also take a bus to the Wehera. The bus runs all the way to the Wehera ground.) No matter how you come, the journey is difficult. To go to Sasseruva, you have to go a long way on Guru Road. Due to the difficulty of the journey, the large crowds who come to see Do Aukana and worship do not come to the place. On the other hand, the area of ​​Aukana has inherited a harsher, harsher and drier nature. As the crowd is less, there are also few vendors who sell fruits, water bottles, rice, etc.to the devotees staying there. I saw only one trading family. They also have no business for Sara Subha. Due to the less number of people coming, Sammadam and temple industries are also not flourishing.

Those who speculate that the statue of Rashe Vehera and the statue of Aukana are the work of the same craftsman. According to another, Aukana Nelu is the work of a disciple of the artist. But the gathering is older than the Aukana. So these stories are completely unacceptable. R. L. Brohier notes that the idol of the congregation is like a twin brother of the idol of the agitating. (Seeing Ceylon – R. L. Brohier Sinhala Translation

After all, Sasseruva is a great architectural creation, but it does not create as much charm in a devotee or an art lover as the great work that displayed the genius of the artist Aukana. It indicates that it was not possible to finish at first sight, or that the craftsman did not have the space to engage in meticulous industries. Otherwise, it seems that those who have been idolized may have had to leave the work before completing all the industries. Both the Aukana and the Rath Vehera stone idols are designed in the form of Abhaya Mudra. The other hand rests the robe on the shoulder. As in the Aukana idol, there is no inscription on the Rath Vehera idol. (Sometimes the craftsman may have run out of space for that.) The Rasha Vehera idol is not carved out of the stone like the Aukana idol. It is dug into the rock and harvested in that hole. So the sides of the idol are completely attached to the rock. According to Mr. Brohier's measurements, the Rashi Vehra idol is 5 inches taller than the Aukana idol from head to toe. (Aukana is 38 feet 10 inches. Rasha Vehra is 39 feet 3 inches.) In the head, right arm, feet etc, the Rasha Vehra statue is taller by a few inches.

Sasseru Kanda is a mountain range where the idol of Rath Vehera is located. A group of rocks are scattered around the mountain range. It has a group of stone caves. Inscriptions are also found in places. Carved stone steps, stone punkalas, watchtowers, moonstones, etc.are found near the caves. This premises may have been a cave ashram complex in the past.

One inscription reads:

"Chadake Lene Chadaka Tube. Bata Tishabutia Pa (Racha) Cha Game. Cha Mahhima Hacha"

Its meaning is as follows. "The Stupa of Lord Tissabhuti and of Paravacha Gama Majhima and Senapati son Paduma and Chandaka and Chandaka Stupa. "

One of the cave temples had a reclining idol. Unlike other reclining idols, the idol was designed in such a way that it could be wheeled around the idol. In other statues, the robes of Lord Buddha were made with clay coating, but this statue's robe was made of cloth and clay was coated on it. There was also an ancient bed next to it. A carpenter who lived in Megama makes a carved bed during the reign of the kings of the Kandy era. Ordinary people are not allowed to consume a bed. The king ordered that the bed should be offered to the temple. The order was fulfilled. Today the bed is also an antique.

Made a beautiful story. A place of history. A beautiful environment to be reached. From there, Aukana is about 15 km away. People who come here, don't forget to go to Aukana. The rest of the story is about Aukana. The place is beautiful

Reswehera Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple located in the village of Reswehera in the Galle District of Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe in the 18th century and has since become an important religious and cultural site in Sri Lanka.

The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The main shrine room features a large Buddha statue, surrounded by smaller statues of other deities. The walls of the shrine room are adorned with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures.

One of the most notable features of Reswehera Rajamaha Viharaya is its elaborate wooden carvings. The temple is home to some of the finest examples of traditional Sri Lankan woodcarving, including intricate designs on the doors, windows, and roof beams. The carvings feature a variety of motifs, including floral patterns, animals, and mythical creatures.

The temple also features a large stupa, which is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The stupa is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery. Visitors to the temple can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and soaking up the spiritual energy of the site.

Reswehera Rajamaha Viharaya is also significant for its cultural and historical importance. The temple is believed to have played a role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka during ancient times. It is also closely associated with the story of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, who is said to have built the temple as a tribute to his mother.

Today, Reswehera Rajamaha Viharaya remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka. The temple attracts visitors not only for its religious significance but also for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the country’s history and culture.

Reswehera Rajamaha Vihara is an ancient temple which was built by the king Devanampiya Tissa situated in north western province in Sri Lanka. The temple is well known for its two Gautama Buddha statues, one carved in a rock and the other inside the vihara.

Reswehera Rajamaha Vihara is an ancient temple which was built by the king Devanampiya Tissa (307BC-267BC) situated in North Western Province in Sri Lanka.

Gautama Buddha statue
The temple is well known for its two Gautama Buddha statues, one carved in a rock and the other inside the vihara. In addition, the Bo tree which was planted from a branch of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi illuminates the historical value of the place.

The historical gathering place or Sasseruvah can be called as an ancient sacred place near the border of Kurunegala district, not far from Aukana Vihara and Kala lake. As soon as you enter the sacred site of Rusevehera, you will find an ancient tomb above the lake. The dagaba takes a solid shape. At the entrance to this dagabat, three "Waharala letters" which scholars call "Slave Redemption" letters can be seen. A Siripatul stone, which was worshiped as a symbol of Buddha in the past, can also be identified in this Vehera Maluvatula. At the foot of the mountain, the remains of an ancient apartment building can be identified when climbing the mountain. It is believed that the building was two-storied with beams and walls. The first entrance was at the foot of the hill. The second gate is above the first gate. Observation confirms that the stone blocks of the building are aligned with each other by cutting grooves in the stones. An ancient inscription can also be identified not far from the two floors. A group of caves can also be identified by searching all over the sacred site of Rusevehera. According to the existing remains, it is confirmed that the body of beethi was there to cover the cave. Not only the walls but also the entrance to the cave is used. These caves are believed to be around 2000 years old. Cave inscriptions can be identified in connection with those caves and can be identified as 20 cave inscriptions. Bodhis can be seen above the cave complex and the remains of an old staircase can be seen on the rock in front of the Bodhis. Inside the bomalu there is a siripatula and a flower seat that can be filled with water as symbols of Buddha. The 39 feet tall Buddha statue is the most sacred object of the shrine. This Buddha statue is made of Nice stone and it is believed that these statues were carved during the 4th and 5th AD Mahasen period that is about 1500 years ago. This statue has been raised in the rock to be half-turned. Designed to show the posture of harmony, the right hand of this idol is Abhaya Mudra and the left hand hasta Mudra is shown. It can be recognized from the ruins that there was a shrine for the statue in the past. Two cave temples can be identified in Rathvehera and they are called Rajamaha Vihara. The cave temple next to the ancient Bodhi is a small cave temple. In front of the cave temple, an early moonstone lamp can be seen and in that moonstone lamp one cow, one elephant, two lions and two lions can be identified. Apart from the moon lamp, the two watchstones at the entrance of the cave temple also belong to the early period. This cave temple is supported by stone pillars and the door of the temple is made of a single board. It is special that there is an inscription recorded in 1895 above the cave where the temple is located. In that letter, there is a description of the land donated to Vihaarage by Mr. Kapurala of Mahakanthoaru. Images of a crow and a dog are also engraved in connection with the cell letter. The second cave temple from the Rusevehera shrine is located on the other side of the rock behind the first cave temple. An inscription can also be identified in the vicinity of this cave temple, and it is clear that the total number of inscriptions that can be identified in the shrine is 29.

Although this temple is called Raswehera, some people also call it Sasseruwa. One of the reasons for this name at the time may have been the standing statue here.

The standing statue here is 39 feet 3 inches high and is believed to have been created during the reign of King Mahasen (274 AD and 301 AD). But King Mahasen is believed to have died before the completion of the temple industry. According to Dr. Senarath Paranavithana, it is believed that this statue is also known as Mahasena Statue. But Dr. Wijesekera says that it was built in the 12th century AD. However, this holds a special place in terms of importance.
There are several differences between the Aukana statue and the Raswehera statue. Accordingly, the Aukana statue has been carved out of the rock and this statue has been carved inside of the rock. The Aukana statue has a header, but this statue does not have a header. Both statues work in the abyss, but there is a difference in the way the right hand is. Accordingly, it can be believed that this was created at the same time on the same person or teacher relationship as the legend says.