Potgul Maliga Rajamaha Viharaya in Hanguranketa

The Potgul Maliga Rajamaha Viharaya in Hanguranketa was constructed during the British colonial period, it was built on the spot of an earlier Buddhist temple from the Kandyan period. The sacred site could even date back to the Polonnaruwa period. Kandyan Kings used Hanguranketa as a second residence, particularly during periods of foreign attacks on Kandy. The royal palace, known as Hanguranketa Maligawa, was destroyed by British forces during a period of unrest. The Potgul Maliga Rajamaha Viharaya is said to have been built with parts of that former royal palace. „Potgul“ means book. Actually, this temple has a a massive library of historic palm-leaf manuscripts with ancient Buddhist writings. This collection of ola-leaf books can be seen attached to the small museum in the first floor of the large entrance building. The temple proper just behind it is only on ground level, but it several sanctuaries under one common roof. The rooms are decorated with murals in the typical style of Kandyan paintings.