Vaarana Rajamaha Viharaya

Beautiful place close to Colombo. I've been here many times and visited recently after 10 years. I only wished the archaeological department set standards and precedence for renovations and additions to temples because everything is happening in an ad-hoc manner. The once beautiful roof of the preaching hall has been replaced with steel tiles which are looking like actual clay tiles from a distance. But very odd and unsuitable for such a place. This is the lack of education in all tiers from government officials to ministers to priests who contribute to the slow ruin and decay of the heritage of this land.

Warana Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhalaː වාරණ රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Thihariya, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the Colombo - Kandy highway. Currently this temple has been recognized as an archaeological protected site in Gampaha District by Archaeological department. Warana Raja Maha Vihara is believed to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307–267 BC) and according to the temple chronicles preserved at the Vihara, later renovations haven been undertaken by King Valagamba (103 BCE and c.89–77 BCE), Nissanka Malla (1187–1196), Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782) and Parakramabahu VI. According to the Dr. Senarath Paranavithana's book Inscriptions of Ceylon, Part I, a Brahmin inscription, found in the vihara premises, has been interpreted as follows:. Bata-Majhimasa batika bata-Tisadatasa dane. (In English: "The gift of Lord Tissadatta, brother of Lord Magjihima) The temple A scene of the temple The temple is mainly consist of three levels as Pahala maluwa, Meda maluwa and Ihala maluwa. In the first level the Sangawasaya and the Dharama Hall is located and in the middle level the drip ledged cave temple with its ancient Stupa can be seen. It is said that stupa is around 800 years old. Inside the cave temple many of Buddha statues and paintings are found. The canopy of the cave has been decorated with lotus flowers and with various other flower designs. In the top level another Stupa and Cave temple can be seen. Copied from Wikipedia

The Rock Temple of Varana is located in the Gampaha district, It is said that King Valagambha used to hide here while he was in exile.

Nice place to visit

Beautiful And Ancient Temple In Srilanka