Magul Maha Viharaya - Lahugala National Park Sri Lanka

Lahugala is one of the untouched National Parks in Sri Lanka on the Monaragala District. The Siyambalanduwa – Pottuvil Road runs on the south-eastern sector of the park. The Magul Maha Viharaya lies about 22 km off from Siyambalanduwa town and about 11 km off Pottvil.

The history of this temple goes back to the time of King Dathusena who ruled Anuradhapura from 516 AD to 526 AD. The pillar inscription testifies the founder of the Vihara as King Dathusena. The language and the script can be dated to the 14th century. King Kavantissa then hastened to meet the Princess and married her in keeping with traditional customs, and she became Queen Vihara Maha Devi. “The Magul Poruwa" said to be of the Royal couple could be seen amongst ancient ruins in a temple called "Magul Maha Viharaya" in Lahugala. Princess Devi's canoe had been washed ashore at Arugam Bay (coined from the words "ara -gama") and not Kirinde. This is folklore -- as related by the Chief Priest of the ancient Lahugala Temple Ven. Hulanduwe Ratanasara Thera. Lahugala belonged to the Ruhunu Kingdom of ancient Lanka.

The entire Vihara complex had covered an extent of around 10,000 acres where ruins of a palace, moonstone, monastery, bo-maluwa, stupas, ponds etc. are found scattered all over. The moonstone here is said to be unique in the country as this is the the only location where elephants are carved with their mahouts in the moonstone.