Devinuwara Upulvan (Vishnu) Devalaya (දෙවිනුවර උපුල්වන් දේවාලය)

Devinuwara Devalaya, also known as the Dondra Vishnu Shrine, is a historic temple located at the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka near the town of Matara. Dedicated to the deity Upulvan—believed by many to be an incarnation of Vishnu—the shrine holds a significant place in Sri Lankan religious tradition, especially within both Buddhist and Hindu communities. According to legend, the temple's origins date back to the 8th century CE, when King Dappula was guided in a dream to find a red sandalwood log carrying the spirit of Upulvan. Upon retrieving it from the shores of Devinuwara, he had an image of the deity carved from the log and established it for worship, adding statues of Sandawatee, Upulvan's consort, and their son, Dhanurdhara.

Throughout the centuries, the shrine became a major pilgrimage site, revered by Buddhists who honor Vishnu as the guardian deity of Sri Lanka and Buddhism. During the reign of Parakramabahu II of the Dambadeniya Kingdom in the 13th century, the temple was restored and expanded. The annual Esala festival held here, especially during the month of July, is a tradition that dates back to his era, celebrated with grandeur and devotion in honor of Upulvan.

Historically, Devinuwara was a bustling seaport and a multi-religious site, attracting pilgrims and traders from Southeast Asia, India, the Malabar Coast, and beyond. At its peak, the temple complex covered a vast area with shrines and statues dedicated to various Buddhist and Hindu deities, built in the classical Dravidian style. The grand structure was adorned with a gilded copper roof visible from afar, serving as a landmark for sailors on the Indian Ocean. However, the temple suffered destruction during a Portuguese attack in 1587. King Rajasinghe II later restored the site in the 17th century, reviving its status as a sacred sanctuary.