The Vihara, also known as the Blue
Temple, is built on the summit of a
rock known as Panhalgala is the
village of Rabbegamuwa in the
Udunuwara Division of the Kandy
district. The Temple which depicts
both Buddhist and Hindu features, is
situated about 12 kilometers away
from the Peradeniya bridge in Kandy.
The Lankathillake Vihara is believed
to have been constructed between the
14th and 18th centuries and is said
to be one of the largest buildings
to be constructed during this
period. Senalankadhikara, a warrior
under King Buwanekabahu IV (who
reigned from 1344 to 1354), is
generally believed to have
constructed the temple.
Its architectural features,
sculpture, inscriptions on the rock
- face and paintings are distinctive
to the Kandy period. Some say the
brick-built structure has feature
similer to those of the Polonnaruwa
era except for the two halls infront
of the image house.
The wall built around the building
has given it a rather square shape
instead of the usual rectangular
shape.The temple's long series of
steps cut directly into the rock is
a peculiar architectural design.
Beautiful paintings can be seen all
over the temple which also carries
images of the 24 Buddhas and a huge
seated statue of the Budda. The
three-storeyed building has carvings
belonging to the Kandy period.
Lankatilleke provides a magnificent
view of the surrounding
country-side.