A study on paintings at Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya

Abstract

Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya is a protected monument which has great significance from historical and archaeological aspects. It is located in the Pokunuwita village, Horana division (Kalutara District, Western Province). The ancient image house which has paintings is of great significance throughout archaeological remains at this temple. This ancient image house dates to the last part of Kandyan period based the architecture, sculptures and paintings. Inside the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of image house is a seated sculpture of Lord Buddha, two standing sculptures of Lord Buddha, standing sculptures of God Vishnu and God Sumana Saman and paintings of Buddhist monks, God Gambhara and God Katharagama. Also there are paintings of unclear human figures. The outer walls of the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of this image house has painting of Suvisi vivaranaya (Twenty-four vivaranas), Thelapaththa jathakaya and Vine motifs (Liyawela). Apart from that there are some paintings at the wooden door of this image house, Further there are paintings of traditional Sinhala decorative motifs related to the part of floral motifs (Udbidha) and geometric motifs (Nirjeewa). This study is based on field research method and library survey method. Therefore the field research method is highly emphasized to record the paintings. In the present day the paintings at this temple are highly weathered and some parts cannot be identified. So in this paper an attempt is made to describe the importance of the conservation of this painting, colours, lines and other features of these paintings.