ලී කැටයම් පිරුණු ඇම්බැක්ක දේවාලය. Embekka Devalaya, Sri Lanka

Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357–1374) in Sri Lanka.

The Devalaya is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site.

Embekke Devalaya is situated in Medapalata Korale of Udunuwara in Kandy District. This is a sheltered place used to rest during long pilgrimage or long journeys in ancient days of Sri Lanka.This Ambalama is said to be built during AD 1341–1357 by the King Bhuwanekabhahu IV.

The Embekke Devalaya provides an insightful display of the architecture
adopted in ancient Sri Lanka. This construction consists of three main sections as the sanctum or Garbhaya in which the image of the God Kataragama has been housed, the Digge or Dancing hall) which is representative of the king’s consort Henakanda Bandara, and where dancing events were held in the times of the kings and also the final section is the Drummers’ Hall or Hewisi Mandapaya, representing the drummer Rangama who is involved with the back story of its construction and where musical events were once held.

Except for the Sanctum, the rest of the Embekke Devalaya is made almost entirely of wood presenting a breathtaking view for the visitors. The most significant place in this Devalaya complex is the Drummer’s hall due to its architectural features adorned with splendid wood carvings on pillars and doorframes. The building is 52 feet long and 25 feet wide and it is raised
with the support of 32 wooden pillars. It is also built on a granite base about 34 inches high.

The wooden pillars within this building are made combining 2 different shapes as square and octagonal. The bases of the pillars are octagonal while their tops end in the shapes of four leaves stacked in a square created as Pekada. These pillars are made of a variety of indigenous woods such as Gammalu, Ginisapu, Burutha, Na, and Halmilla. It is stated that the core of the tree has been ripped off and taken away to make the pillars. Then they have dipped in oil and have been finely seasoned as the final process. It is due to this technique these carved wooden pillars have been preserved for so long.

The roof of this construction is also able to mesmerize the visitors with its unique design which showcases ancient Sri Lankan architecture. The most visible feature here is the fitted wooden clamp of the main beam on the roof which is called the Modal Kurupawa. This large wooden pin holds
twenty-six rafters together at one end of the roof of the Digge (Dancing Hall), making it one of the most remarkable examples of ancient carpentry in this country. Another exceptional element is that the entire structure is
made of wood, with no other materials being used, not even metal. Even the nails used to fix the rafters have been carved out of wood.

The most noticeable feature of the Embekke Devalaya is the carvings on the wooden pillars. There are various images carved into the sides of these pillars. The specialty of these carvings is each of them is different from one another. When we consider the carvings of the entire Devala complex, there are about 125 series of decorations, 256 festoon type
designs, and 64 lotus designs, 30 decorative patterns, and roof designs. Thus, there are altogether 514 unique designs.

Out of these famous wood carvings, one of the most recognizable carvings is the Hansa Puttuwa, or entwined Swans. Others include designs of entwined rope (Lanu Gataya), sneezing face (Kisimbi Muna), festoon work (Liyawala), images of Deities (Deva Ruwa),hawk (Gijulihiniya) along with double-headed Eagles, dancing female forms, a mother breastfeeding child, wrestlers, soldiers fighting on horseback, birds with human figures and many more. One of the most unique carvings
features an entwined elephant and bull. Here, covering the bull carving with one’s hand reveals the whole elephant, and covering the elephant likewise reveals the bull. It is an amazing example of the artistic expertise
of Sri Lankan forefathers.

Being a monument of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and art, the Embekke Devalaya is a popular structure all over the world. The intricately
detailed wood carvings which adorn the buildings have been able to get the attention of many scholars; both national and international. UNESCO recognized these wood carvings at Embekke Devalaya is one of the most outstanding collections of wooden pillar carvings to be found anywhere in the world. The carvings feature sophisticated examples of ancient Sinhalese art which have stood the test of time, being truly an icon of the Sri Lankan wood carvings.

Embekka Devalaya（恩贝卡寺庙）由甘波拉时代（公元 1357-1374 年）的斯里兰卡国王维克拉玛巴胡三世建造。 Devalaya 供奉的是 Kataragama deviyo。该遗址还供奉着一位名叫德瓦塔·班达拉 (Devatha Bandara) 的当地神灵。 Embekke Devalaya 位于康提区乌杜努瓦拉的 Medapalata Korale。这是斯里兰卡古代长途朝圣或长途旅行时用来休息的庇护所。这座安巴拉马据说是由国王布瓦内卡巴胡四世 (Bhuwanekabhahu IV) 于公元 1341 年至 1357 年建造的。