Introduction
Dambadeniya period was the 'Golden Era' of Sinhalese Literature.
One of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals in the mid -13 th century. Excavations have
uncovered remains of the temple of the tooth relic and the Royal palace, ponds and
Garden layouts, moats and city walls. This was the kingdom of King Vijayabahu the
iii (1232-36). The king of the Dambadeniya dynasty fought the invaders and established
Dambadeniya. Dambadeniya Rajamaha Viharaya had been built by this king and the King
Parakramabahu 11 (1236-1271) had lodged the Sacred Tooth Relic in this capital.
History
Dambadeniya, about 30 km south-west of Kurunegala, became prominent in the mid-13th
century. It was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu
III (1232–36). The sovereignty of the country was at stake as a result of invasions,
which dislodged Polonnaruwa as the capital. Vijayabahu, the king of the Dambadeniya
dynasty, fought the invaders and established Dambadeniya. On the summit of the Dambadeniya
rock he built fortifications and sturdy walls and gates. The city was made secure
by a moat, a marsh and ramparts around the royal palace. During the reign of King
Parakramabahu (1236–70), Dambadeniya reached the zenith of its glory. Little remains
of the palace buildings. Excavations have uncovered remains of the temple of the
Relic of the tooth of the Buddha and the Royal Palace and the gardens, moats, and
city walls. The double-storey temple of the Tooth Relic has Buddha images, and is
identified as the Vijayasundaramaya. It has some interesting wall paintings dating
from the 18th century, when it was restored.
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