Embekke Devalaya

The Embekke Devalaya is renowned for its fine wood carvings that have been considered the best in the country. It is located in the Udunuwara area in Kandy and was built by King Vikramabahu IV during the Gampola Kingdom. This Devalaya was erected for the worship of Mahasen who was believed to be the God of Kataragama. There are three areas of this site which are the Hevisi Mandapaya which means the Drummer’s Hall, Digge – Dancing Hall and Garagha which is a sanctum. It was originally built with three stories but today, only the extraordinary and exquisite carvings are left to be seen which give insight on the great architecture that was used during that era. These carvings brought fame to the temple thus enabling the declaration of it as a national heritage site which has become a popular tourist attraction of Sri Lanka. As you enter the Devalaya, the wood carvings on the pillars and roof are beyond stunning. There are carvings of flowers, swans and mythical creatures. Since it is a monument dedicated to Kandyan wood carving, this site is open to the public. However, footwear will not be allowed to enter the premises. There is historical value for each carving with a name and story. You can also see the Sinhasana Mandapa a few metres away from the Devalaya. This was where the king used as a throne to sit and watch the Kandy Perahera.