The current hanguranketha Pothgul maligawa was built by a buddhist priest called Poholiyadde thero in 1830 when the casket of his offering which he carried was firmly bount to this ground when he rested it on the land.
According to legend the priest was on a pilgrimage and he spent on night on this ground. Next day when he was preparing to leave the casket carrying his offering couldn't be moved from the palace he left it the previous day. The priest considering this an omen wowed to build a temple on this ground. When was called " SANGARUWANKETHA" now " HANGURANKETHA"
It is also believed that this temple is built on the ruins of Dewram wehera. Which was in existing during Polonnaruwa Kingdom. It is recorded that the kings " SRI WEERA PARAKRAMA NAREENDRASINGHA and SRI WIJAYA RAJASINGHA" used sangaruwanketha as the second capital to kandy and had palace built in this town.
But in 1808 this palace which was then used "SRI WIKRAMA RAJASINGHA" the last king of sri lankan. Was burned to the ground by the british forces under a Major Johnson.
This palace would have been grandeur based on the writings of Robert Knox. Who was a free roaming presoner of king SRI WIKRAMA RAJASINGHA. Robert Knox describes the palace as below.
His palace situation and description of it. He keep his court at Digligy Nour whither he fled in a rebellion against him. His palace stands adjoining to a Great hill, which was before mentioned near unto that part of the hill court none dares presume to set his foot that being for his safeguard to fly unto in time of need.
Pothgul maligawa ( part one )
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