Preloader
Loading Image
Website Header sticky
Instagram Youtube Tiktok Twitter Linkedin

Nawagamuwa Devalaya

Western Province Tourism
Nawagamuwa Devalaya

Nawagamuwa Pattini Devalaya is a historic temple situated in Nawagamuwa, Colombo District, Sri Lanka. The Archaeological Department has declared the Devalaya as a protected monument due to its importance in historical, architectural, and anthropological facets. It is a Buddhist temple primarily dedicated to all the gods. According to legend, King Gajabahu I (114−136) brought the ‘Pattini anklet’ from India after a victorious return with 12,000 prisoners. He built the Devalaya at the spot where he rested during his return to Anuradhapura. Another version suggests that Goddess Pattini arrived from India with 12,000 devotees from 16 castes and settled in this area. Some attribute the temple's origin to Neelaperumal Pandaram, who came from Kerala. Verifiable historical evidence about the Devalaya emerged during the Kotte period. Excavations have revealed building materials, wells, Dutch coins, and iron implements from the Middle Ages. Notable events occurred during the Kotte Period, including the inauguration of Hewagam Korale by King Rajasinha I and King Mayadunne's vow before going to war with the Portuguese in Colombo Fort.

Add a Review Book Nearby Hotel

Related Destinations

Western Province Tourism
Nachchimale Stream

Nachchimale is the most famous area of Ingiriya. The Nachchimale port is a part of the Nambapana lake. Beautiful waterfalls, stone holes filled with clear water are a common scene. Numbers of foreigners and many local visitors come to visit Nachchimale to bathe and have fun during holidays

Western Province Tourism
Negambo eththukala Beach

Negombo Ethukala Beach is a picturesque coastal stretch located in Negombo, Sri Lanka. Known for its golden sands and serene ambiance, it offers a relaxing retreat for visitors. The beach is fringed with palm trees, creating a tropical atmosphere, and the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean make it suitable for a leisurely swim. With local seafood eateries and vibrant sunsets, Negombo Ethukala Beach is a charming destination for those seeking a tranquil seaside experience.

Western Province Tourism
Old Town Hall Museum

Old Town Hall Museum in Colombo is a fascinating historical site. It is located at the end of Main Street in Pettah, slightly hidden among the bustling shopping streets. The building dates back to 1865 and was the first municipality of Colombo. It served as the office and chambers of the Colombo Municipal Council and also functioned as a courthouse. Architect J. G. Smither, a British architect, designed this colonial Dutch building. The wooden furniture inside matches the building's woodwork. The Old Town Hall remained active until 1928 when the New Town Hall was built. The Old Town Hall houses a modest museum on the ground floor, exhibiting preserved steam engines, machinery, and old equipment. In one of the rooms, life-size dolls sit around a wooden table, replicating a council meeting from 1906. Rumor has it that the council members come alive at night! Adjacent to the council chamber, there's a room with an old map of Colombo from 1785, antique typewriters, and an old radio. The architecture features arches, needle-point columns, crumbly yellow walls, and creaky staircases.