Ancient architecture

The Embekka Devalaya is a temple dedicated for the worship of Lord Kataragama. It is situated in Udunuwara, Kandy on the Dalugala road where the Gadaladeniya Temple is situated. The Embekka Devalaya can be visited along with the Gadaladeniya and Lankathilake temples as they are all located close by. It is a temple famed for its carvings and wood work. The temple was built by King Vikramabahu of the Gampola era back in the 14th century. It has three sections namely the “Sanctum of Garagha”, “Digge” or “Dancing Hall” and the “Hevisi Mandapaya” or “Drummer’s Hall”. Apart from Lord Kataragama a local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at Embekka Devalaya. The Drummer’s Hall is popular among visitors to the temple due to the fine wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof. These are some of the best examples of Sinhalese artwork. A unique feature of Embekka Devalaya is the “Madol Kurupawa” which is like a large catch pin used to keep all the rafters, which sla...

According to historical notes, the Panavitiya Ambalama was built in the 18th century and it is  believed that it may have stood as a wayside shelter for travellers on the ancient footpath leading from Dambadeniya to Kurunegala and Yapahuwa. It is constructed on a wooden platform on four rounded large stones, one foot in height raised from ground level to prevent damage from termite attacks. The roof is supported by 28 wooden pillars of which nine inner wooden pillars, six inches in height, display ornate carvings and motifs. The nineteen pillars that formed the outer posts were less elaborately carved. One of the striking features of the Panavitiya Ambalama is a wooden pillar with a carving of entwined cobra hoods. This kind of wood carving is rare in Sri Lanka. The Ambalama is famed for many finely carved pillars depicting majestic birds. Each pillar has its own individual carving. Besides the wildlife carvings, some pillars are carved with wrestling men, dancing women, musicians,...

KARAGAHAGEDARA AMBALAMA An ambalama is a place constructed for pilgrims, traders and travelers to rest in Sri Lanka. This is a simple structure designed to provide shelter for the travellers. There were no charges involved in using an Ambalama. Karagahagedara Ambalama is considered one of the oldest Ambalama in Sri Lanka.  This is located in kurunegala district. It is believed that the road connecting Dambadeniya and Anuradhapura in the past may have existed near this Ambalama The ambalama was built slightly above the ground  to prevent rainwater runoff, protect the building from insects, and protect occupants from snakes. A special feature of this ambalam is that in addition to sitting on the ambalam and there is also a separate section to hold both legs. The roof of this ambalama made of wood is covered with tiles.17 wooden poles are attached to the roof around Ambalama. The wood of the Mee tree (Mabhuca) is used to  build these wooden poles. The staircase leadin...