Tissamaharama

It is used to the capital of Sinhalese kingdom Ruhuna in the 3rd century BC. Only few buildings from that period can still be seen today. The Tissamaharama Tamil brahami inscription , fragment of black and red ware flat dish inscribed in Tamil in the Tamil Brahami script was excavated at he earliest layer in the southern town, dated between 3rd century BCE and 1st century CE .It constitutes the earliest known writing system evidenced in many parts of South India.

Archaeological excavations have brought to light earliest urban phase in the 4th century BC where fired bricks were used for the first time in construction. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple and one of the four major Buddhist monasteries established in Sri Lanka after the arrival of Arhat Mahinda Thera to the country. The site of this temple was consecrated by Buddha himself who spent some time in meditation herewith 500 Arhats. The monastery had been recognized as a pre eminent Buddhist educational center of the Southern Sri Lanka.

This temple was built in the 2nd century BC by then king Kavantissa ( 186-161 BC ) had been expanded and renovated by king Ilanga (38-44 AD) but the temple was initially built by king Mahanaga in the 3rd century BC. Mahanaga was the first king of Ruhuna.Yatala vehera is an another ancient Buddhist stupa in Tissamaharama. It is believed that the stupa was built 2300 years ago by regional ruler Yatala Tissa to commemorate where he was born and some believe that this was built by King Mahanaga father of Yatala Tissa to mark the birth of his son. It is believed that this stupa was offered to Arhat Aritta Thera who was the first Sinhala Arhat of Ruhuna.

Sandagiri Viharaya also had ben built during the reign of King Kavantissa or king Mahanaga of Ruhuna and renovated by king Vijayabahu 1. One of the eight seedlings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree ceremonially planted here. The excavations has revealed the presence of Bodhi Gara which is considered to be reminiscent at the Bodhi Gara built when he Sri Maha Bodhi was planted.