When we talk about the historic city of Katharagama, one
place we cannot forget is the Kiri Vehera. It is one of the five most important
sites of worship in the city along with the Maha Bodhi, Katharagama Devale,
Sella Katharagama and Vedihitikanda. The Dagoba is also described in the
stanzas as one of 16 most important pilgrimage sites in the whole country.
The 95 feet tall Kiri Vehera has a circumference of 280
feet. It is milky white in colour, hence the name. It is situated near the
famous Menik Ganga.
There are many theories as to the origin of the Dagoba. Some
believe it was built by Parakramabahu the Great of Polonnaruwa during the third
century BC, on the request of Queen Subadra. Some think that it was first built
by a local ruler named Mahasena on a site made hallowed by the Buddha's visit.
Some believe that the Vihara was originally known as Magul
Maha Seya and although there are no clues as to who built it, the bricks used
in the construction bear Brahmin inscriptions which point to King Mahanaga
reign during the third century BC. Some records even date it to the first
century BC.
The Buddha is believed to have paid a visit to Katharagama
during His third trip to Sri Lanka. The Kiri Vehera is said to enshrine the
golden seat the Buddha sat on during His sermon, a lock of His hair and the
royal sword (Magul Kaduwa) with which Prince Siddhartha cut off His hair at the
Great Renunciation.
The place is also linked to the reign of Dappula I,
Vijayabahu I and Kavantissa, the father of King Dutugemunu and Saddatissa.
However, the Kiri Vehera went into ruin with jungles covering much of the area
after the Chola invasions of Polonnaruwa in the 12th century. A renovation
programme was carried out at the Kiri Vehera in 1912 and again in 1970.
