Yatala Wehera is located by the Hambanthota - Katharagama road, in-between Debarawewa and Thissamaharamaya.
Yatala Wehera was built by king Mahanaga nearly 2300 years ago. King Mahanaga was regional king in
Ruhunu kingdom and brother of king Devanmpiyathissa, who ruled in Anuradhapura. This temple was built to commemorate the birth of his son, prince Yatala.
There are several shapes of dagaba can be found in Sri Lanka. Yatala Wehera is a “Bubbulakara” ( bubble shape) Dagaba. This pagoda is surrounded by elephant wall and a lotus pond. The bubble shape and the elephant wall add some uniqueness to this stupa. You have to cross a small metal bridge over the lotus pond to reach the Dagaba.
Avalokeshwara Bodhisathwa Statue -Yatala Stupa
A statue of Avalokeshwara Bodhi sathwa and a standing Buddha statue are among the remaining artifacts in this site.
Remaining Buddha Statues -Yatala Stupa
There is a small museum located by the side of the Pagoda. You can see various ancient statuses over there.
Yatala Wehera also known as "Mani Chethiya" or "tooth relic shrine" in some of the historical records. This Dagaba was renovated some time ago and few opening were kept, in where you can see the how it was prior to the renovation and various layers of renovations.
Yatala Temple Area Map