Distance from Ampara – 21.5 km (36 minutes)

Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist sacred shrine and archaeological site that is located in Ampara district. The shrine is among the 16 places that has been blessed by Lord Buddha’s presence. On the 8th year of attaining nirvana, Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time along with 500 arhaths to spend time meditating at Deeghawapi.

Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya was built by king Saddhatissa who rules the country between 137 and 119 BC. The great chronicle of Sri Lanka, the Mahavansa records the donation of a jacket with gold lotus flowers and a variety of gems to cover the shrine, by the king himself. No special relics are believed to have been enshrines at the stupa, although the great historian venerable Ellawela Medananda thero believes that it enshrines a nail relic of Lord Buddha.

Getting to Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya

From Ampara travel along the Siyambalanduwa – Damana – Ampara Highway passing Eragama, and turn Deeghawapi Temple Road to reach the Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya in Ampara district.

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