Places to visit when you holiday in Sri Lanka – Lahugala Kota Vehera – By Randima Singhapali
Image Source : mandalas
Source : Dæhæna – July 2025
We have started this series to be a regular feature in the newsletter. Hopefully, you might get benefitted when you plan to visit Sri Lanka during your next visit. We welcome your experiences which sometimes may not be found in the popular web sites.
Lahugala Kota Vehera is a quiet and sacred temple in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It is full of history, legends, and spiritual
importance. Many people travelling to the popular beaches of Arugam Bay pass by this place without knowing its amazing
story.
This temple is also known by other names like Kota Pabbatha, Kotagala Vehera, and Lahugala Chethiya. Many believe it is the same as Kotapabbata Vihara, a temple mentioned in the Mahavamsa, an old book that tells the story of
Sri Lanka’s kings and monks.
Many years ago, a kind and devoted samanera lived at Kota Vehera. He spent his time caring for the temple, keeping the surroundings clean, and performing many acts of merit. Unfortunately, he fell seriously ill, and the other monks brought him to Tissarama Monastery for care.
At the same time, Queen Viharamahadevi, the wife of King Kavantissa, came to visit the temple. She was a generous and kind queen, but she was very sad because she had no children. After giving food and gifts to the monks, she told the chief monk about her sadness.
The monk, who had great wisdom, told her to speak to the sick samanera. He said she should ask the monk to be reborn as her son in his next life. At first, the samanera said no. But the queen gently asked again and again, offering help and prayers for him.
Image Source : wikipedia
Finally, he agreed. The Mahavamsa says that the samanera died soon after and was immediately reborn in the queen’s womb while she was on her way home. She felt something special and stopped her journey to tell the king. They both returned to the temple, held a special ceremony for the monk, and gave many gifts to the temple.
That samanera, reborn as a prince, grew up to become King Dutugemunu—one of Sri Lanka’s most respected kings. He is remembered for uniting the country and protecting Buddhism. Today, Lahugala Kota Vehera is still a peaceful and sacred place. The old stupa (a round temple structure) is built on a rocky hill and can be reached by climbing stone steps. Even though parts of it are broken and damaged by treasure hunters, the area still feels calm and powerful. Nearby, you can also see the ruins of what is believed to be the biggest image house ever built in the ancient Kingdom of Ruhuna.
The temple is in the Pansalgoda area, under the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat. It is found on the Siyabalanduwa -Pottuvil road, just 10 km (6.2 miles) from Pottuvil town. It takes only about 15 to 20 minutes to drive there.
In a region known for beaches, surfing, and wild elephants, Lahugala Kota Vehera offers something special—a quiet place full of faith, history, and the story of a king. For anyone who wants to discover the real heart of Sri Lanka, this temple is a beautiful and meaningful place to visit.
Randima Singhapali
Randima Singhapali, ex-bank manager and history gradu-
