Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the most famous ancient royal
temples in Sri Lanka.Attanagalla Royal temples is the primary one among
its nine subordinate temples and is situated in Western Province, Sri
Lanka, 28 miles northeast of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It
is unique because it is the only ancient temple historically recognized
as the place where a Bodhisattva (a future Buddha) fulfilled his Dana
Paramita (one of the ten perfections to be completed by a Bodhisattva to
become a Buddha, an Awakened One). He sacrificed his life by giving his
head in gratitude for a favor he received from a poor and ordinary
countryman.
Known by the name of King Sri Sangabo (247-249 A.D.) he was
recognized in the chronicles and other ancient literature of Sri Lanka
as the most pious Buddhist king in Sri Lankan history. After King Sri
Sangabo, his brother Gothabhaya (249-262 A.D.) became the king of the
country and built a Stupa (Pagoda) at the place where his brother,
Bodhisattva Sri Sangabo, made the great sacrifice fulfilling a parami.
According to the Attanagall Vihara Chronicle, during the reign of King
Upatissa (365-406 A.D.), one of the monks, having practiced meditation,
attained Arahanthship (enlightenment) at this temple. King Upatissa was
very pleased to hear this and built a five-story monastery, which he
offered to the Maha Sangaha.
