Located in Pallebedda, Rathnapura district, the Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient temple with a rich history dating back to the Anuradhapura era. According to legend, it was built by the giant Pussadeva during the reign of King Dutugamunu, and a stone pillar in the temple tells the story of its construction.

The temple is home to the Sathsathi Vihara Mandira, which houses two sitting Buddha statues and a standing Buddha statue, all reminiscent of the Kandian era. The temple’s walls are adorned with paintings made with indigenous materials that also bear similarities to the Kandian era. In addition to the Sathsathi Vihara Mandira, there is a Maha Viharaya shrine room in the center of the temple, featuring several Buddha statues as well as statues of God Katharagama and God Vishnu.

The mountain above the caverns of Sankhapala Vihara contains numerous artifacts and remnants of a lost history, including ancient inscriptions and drip ledged caves. This makes the temple and its surroundings an invaluable resource for academics seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s mysterious past. Sankhapala has become a popular tourist destination for both local and foreign visitors.