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NidiKumba Forest Retreat
Tomb of Pussadeva Thero COOL THINGS TO DO
The Shri Sankapala Rajamaha Vihara Vihara is a place that speaks of the counry's rich heritage. However in spite of the splendour and the interesting artifacts found here, it is not declared a sacred place. This has resulted in difficulty in maintaining the vihara according to its caretaker, P. Senaratne.
The Shri Sankapala Rajamaha Vihara in Pallebadda is built on top of a large rock, said to be around 500 feet high. According to the documents available, the vihara has been existing since 16 BC.
It is said that Pussadeva, a commander of King Dutugamunu's army, embedded the Jaya Sanka (symbol of victory) inside the rock. The king rewarded him with a 'Gamwara' ( the village 'Pallebaddea' ) for the services he rendered. Later Pussa Deva gave the village to the priests who presided at the temple at that time and entered a religious life. He became an 'arahath' ( a step in the process of obtaining nirvana) in the temple and died there. He is believed to be buried in the vihara itself in a layer of stone to the west of Pallebadda.
Distance 50 km from NidiKumba Tanamalwila Tomb of Pussadeva Thero
During the Mahanuwara period, King Rajadi Rajasingha put Ven. Karatota Dammarama (who happened to be Gajaman Nona's teacher) in charge of the Pallebadda Village and the temple.  The Ven. Thera later formed a great friendship with the British governor and this made the king suspicious. As he thought that the monk was plotting to overthrow him, the king arrested the monk. The monk during imprisonment had written a 'kaviya' which again aroused suspicion. The king's servants, who stole the 'puskolapotha' on which the poem was written told the king that it was a secret message. Later the king had ordered his scholars to read the 'kaviya' and find its meaning. It was found that the 'kaviya' was written in praise of the Buddha. The king who was impressed with the monk gave him the authority of the Siripadastana (Adams Peak) and the low country which included Pallebadda. He also gifted a golden statue of the Buddha, an ivory Buddha statue and a Sananspathraya.
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