The Medawala Rajamaha Viharaya or Tempitiya Vihara; north of Kandy is a typical tempath vihara; a small wooden image house or shrine; placed on stilts or piles. The tempath vihara can be regarded as Kandy's most significant contribution to Buddhist architecture; but there are not many specimen of its kind left.

Some of the frescoes in the Rajamaha Viharaya depict the king and the royal family; but they also depict the everyday life of the commoners; such as a farmer tilling his field with the help of a white bull. One enigmatic painting shows a recumbent Buddha; sleeping safely tucked away behind a mosquito net.

Though the frescoes exhibit all the hallmarks of the 18th century; the original construction of the Raja Mahavihara is said to go back to much earlier times. Despite the artistic merit of the frescoes; the most remarkable single feature in the image house is the small ivory figure of a Buddha. The figure is surrounded by an intricately carved wooden shrine. Pictures From Asia Chaweewan Chuchuay