Tampita Viharaya (Temple on Pillars, Devapita Viharaya, Devamatha Viharaya) is a distinctly unique type of image house found in some Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Although there are some proof older structures these buildings were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the 17th-19th centuries. There are more than two hundred Tempita Viharayas have been identified in Sri Lanka to date. Most of the shrines are found in North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western provinces.
A Tampita Viharaya is built on a wooden platform which rests on number of stone stumps usually 3-4 feet tall. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub. A seated Buddha statue is build at the center and more statues of standing Buddhas, deities lie beside the main statue. These are made of clay, timber or limestone. The inner walls are completely painted in frescoes using sceneries from Jataka stories or Buddhas life.
Mabotuwana Tempita viharaya is the only known Tampita Viharaya in Galle district and it is aso well maintained.
