තොටගමුව පුරාණ රජමහා විහාරය චිත්‍ර හා මූර්ති පිළිබඳ අධ්‍යයනයක් A Study of the Paintings and Sculptures of Ancient Thotagamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya

Abstract

Thotagamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the village of Thelwatta, Wellabadapattu, Galle District. It is believed that its origins date back to the Anuradhapura period. Ruined stone pillars can be observed. There are two Buddhist temples in this temple. One Vihara is called the old Vihara. The other Vihara is called the new Vihara. Thotagamuwe Temple is most famous for the venerable Rahula Thero who resided there. In addition, this temple is also famous for its paintings and statues from the Kandyan period. The eignifirance of the temple has also increased due to the statue of the Ananga deva, which is not found in any other temple in Sri Lanka. The aim of the research is to study the paintings and statues of the Thotagamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya, which are full of such values. The observation method was used to conduct the research and collect data. In addition, the interview method was utilized, and primary and secondary sources were inlargorated. Qualitative analysis was used for data analysis. In addition, thematic and image analysis methods were also used. As a result of the research, it was possible to identify the painting tradition of the temple, the culture of the Kandyan period, the identities of Buddhist culture, and the changes in Sinhala culture during the British rule. In addition to this, it was also possible to uncover how the clothing, food, housing, household items, weapons, etc. used by the British have been incorporated into Sinhala culture. In addition to using local raw materials to create the colors needed for paintings, there were also instances of using colors imported from Western countries. The paintings have succeeded in presenting human figures, animal figures, houses, etc. in a natural manner. More Bodhisattva statues and Buddha statues can be seen in this temple than in other temples.