The Lenawara Temple is situated 5 kms along the Anguruwatota Road starting from the Raigama Junction on the Panadura Horana Road. Lenawara Temple is situated top of a natural rock. It can only be reached by climbing the steps.
Historically
the Lenawara cave temple is connected with King Parakramabahu VI amid whose
time it is accepted to have been a prospering viharaya. It is said that an
inscription of the king found at Sunethradevi Pirivena at Pepiliyana records
grants made to Lenawara Cave Viharaya at Raigama. The temple is also known for
its traditional treatment of catarrh. According to the villages, a Brahmin
scholar who came to the country during the days of King Devanampiyatissa, and
took up residence close to this viharaya had handed down this ancient science.
The treatment still continues to date.
The
dagaba which is on the highest level must be come to by a long flight of stone
steps . The shrine room, which is housed in a rock cave, is on the middle level
and must be come to by climbing stone steps.
The
shrine room contains a large reclining Buddha image and a seated Buddha image
and the some paintings. To a side and behind the shrine room, on a slight
elevation, is a devala dedicated to God Vishnu. A rock pool in front and on the
side is filled with water. The temple bell stands at the front edge of the
rock.
The
cave housing the shrine of God Vishnu has a simple arch like entrance with a
small door fitted in its center. After crossing a paved bridge and climbing
steps assisted by iron hand reaches the top level where the dagoba stands.
