An Investigation into The Origin and The Naming of Uggal Aluthnuwara Katharagam Devalaya

Abstract

Uggal Aluthnuwara Katharagam Devalaya is situated in the village of Aluthnuwara in the Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat Division represented by the Balangoda Urban Council area of the Rathnapura District. A historically important national heritage site, there are many legends and archaeological determinants regarding the origin and naming of this Devalaya. So far no study or arriving of any specific conclusion has been conducted on this significant legacy. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the origin and naming of this Devalaya. “Seemasankara Winodanee Puskolapotha”, “Piruwana Pothwahanse” and “Deva Varnana Kavya” and other archaeological factors were used as primary sources. In addition to scholarly texts, newspaper articles, and web sites, interviews were conducted with villagers and the official staff of the Devalaya for the purpose of gathering secondary and tertiary data. As no research with clear conclusions has not been conducted so far on the origin and the naming of Uggal Aluthnuwara Katharagam Devalaya, it is expected that this research will facilitate many archaeology lovers to gain an enhanced knowledge of these areas related to this Devalaya.