The Embekke Devalaya is an ancient religious fortress belonging to the Gampola era and is dedicated to pay homage to ‘Katharagama Deviyo’ (god Katharagama) and the local deity, ‘Devatha Bandara’.
Location
The premises is located close to Daulagala which is about 8 miles away from Kandy. Thus visitors seeking accommodation in any hotel in Kandy such as the centrally located Kings Pavilion Kandy may take a day trip to visit the glorious historic architecture of Embekke Devalaya.
History
Legend has it that the Develaya was built by King Vikramabahu III. It is said that one of the members of the royal court named Henakanda Biso Bandara was demanded to build the shrine in homage to god Kathragama in a miraculous dream.
Layout
The Devalaya is divided into three sections namely the ‘Digge’, the ‘Sanctum of Garagha’ and the ‘Hevisi Mandapaya’. The latter, directly translated as the drummer’s hall is one of the key attractions of the premises due to its stunning wood carvings.
The wood carvings
The striking wood pillars and the elaborate and captivating wood carvings in Embekke are found nowhere in the world. These intricate designs were held by the UNESCO to be one of the finest wood carvings found in any part of the world.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
