Bambawa rajamaha viharaya is in Galewela town in Matale district, central province.This temple can be seen when you came two kilometers from Galewela to Matale road.
king Walgamba created Bambawa rajamaha viharaya who called Wattagamini Abhaya.king Walgamba became king as at 104 bc.He create lot of temple in sri lanka.
Because five months after his coronation as king,Thissa rrebelled against him who ruled Rohan area in sri lanka.At the same time, an ininvading army from south India led by seven tamil leaders landed in Mahathiththa.However the tamil leaders became rulers in sri lanka.
After then king Walagamba lived hiding in the forests rock caves amassing and training a force to attack the invaders.After 15 years in 89bc he fought with the Tamil invaders and became again as ruler in sri Lanka.There after the king turned every cave which he lived in to the temple.Bambawa was on of the cave he lived.
The another tale of Bambawa is how it got name as Bambawa.The people believe this place to be the birthplace of Kuweni, a queen of Demon who married prince Wijaya.Her father name is Bamaba and he had two brothers called Kumba and Homba.They rulled Sri Lanka as three province.Kumba rulled southern part of the island. Bamba middle and Homba northern part. This temple area is in middle of Sri Lanka. However this area got kings name Bamaba became Bambawa.
Bambawa temple has Budu medura and two Devales dedicated to the God Galebandara and god Dewathabandara. Budu madura is a room with statue of Lord Buddha. People come to pray and pleading to the gods for successful future.
Another special is this temple has Dageba near the main road. Dageba is a building like pyramid. This Dageba gave very beautiful scene to the temple.
Another one is lake aside the temple. It is a small lake but very impressive. Lot of people coming here clean up before they worship by using this lake.
A large annual Esala perahera possession is held at this temple during July and August. Massive crowds come to visit this Esala perahera. The most exciting experience is watching the elephant March. A herd of about 8 to 10 elephants are adorned with colourful costumes. One of the biggest elephants carries the Buddha's relic on his head.
Sri Lankan traditional dancers and drummers events are also very exciting. There are several traditional dancing called Udarata, Pahatharata and Sabaragamuwa can be seen at this Esala perahera. Also have Tamil traditional dance called Kawadi. With all these things this procession will take to the streets through the Galewela town for two days.
One day if you come to Galewela don't forget to visit Bambawa rajamaha viharaya and don't forget to get this experience on July or August Esala perahera.
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