Embekka Devalaya
| Embekke Devalaya | |
|---|---|
ඇම්බැක්කේ දේවාලය | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism, Hinduism |
| District | Kandy |
| Province | Central Province |
| Deity | Kataragama deviyo, Devatha Bandara |
| Location | |
| Location | Udunuwara, Sri Lanka |
| Geographic coordinates | 07°13′04.5″N 80°34′03.8″E / 7.217917°N 80.567722°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Devalaya |
| Founder | King Vikramabahu III |
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 form of Kartikeya. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digge" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hevisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof.