The Chief Incumbent of Nagolla Purana Vihara Ven Medabedda Vajiranama Thera

Calls to protect ancient palanquin

A A L Dias, Matale district group corr

The Nagalla Purana Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven Medabadde Vajirarama Thera has made a request to the Archaeological Department to take immediate steps to preserve the ancient palanquin which has been abandoned in the Viharaya in Kandapalla Korale, Matale.

The wooden frame of the palanquin has been completely discoloured while the bamboo used to carry it is neglected.

However, the pole used to bear the palanquin is still intact, the Ven Thera said.

The nobles and Buddhist monks had used the palanquins for their travelling purposes in the ancient period. In the Kandyan era Buddhist monks used the palanquins to visit their temples. It was also utilized by the Asgiri Chapter Mahanayaka Theras to travel to their temples when they came to Kandapalla Korale.

The Palanquin kept in Nagolla Purana Vihara. Pictures by Matale district group corr.	The bamboo pole used to carry the palanquin is still intact.