Wilgam wehera Trincomalee
Velgam Vehera, historically also known as Wilgamvehera Rajamaha Viharaya, is a highly significant ancient Buddhist temple complex located about 10 kilometers northwest of Trincomalee, near the Periyakulam reservoir. It stands as one of the oldest archaeological treasures in the Eastern Province, with its foundations dating back over two millennia to the 3rd century BCE, traditionally believed to have been established during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.
What makes Velgam Vehera extraordinary is its unique status as a historical symbol of religious and ethnic harmony. While South Indian Chola invaders in the 10th and 11th centuries devastated many Buddhist shrines across the country, they explicitly spared and actively protected Velgam Vehera. Recognizing its spiritual importance and supported by a strong local Tamil Buddhist merchant community, the Cholas renovated and expanded the complex. They renamed it Rajarajaperumpalli and added several Tamil inscriptions that survive to this day. Consequently, it became a rare sanctuary where both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists worshipped side by side, and it is known to the Hindu community as Natanar Kovil.
The ruins layout beautifully blends classical Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa architectural styles. Nestled in a calm wooded area, the protected archaeological site contains a restored main stupa atop a hill, brick image houses, a large Buddha statue, monolithic stone pillars, and ancient guard stones. The intricate stone layouts later influenced the grand architecture seen in Polonnaruwa. After falling into neglect following the collapse of the ancient kingdoms and suffering damage during recent civil conflicts, the site has been meticulously preserved by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. Today, it offers a deeply peaceful, uncrowded spiritual experience reflecting Sri Lanka's pluralistic history.
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