Warana Raja Maha viharaya situated in the Gampaha District is reputed to have been built by King Devampiyatissa and later renovations undertaken by King Vallagamba. The temple premises has inscription in asokan scrip on stone reading as Bata-Majhimasa batika bata-Tisadatasa dane. (In English: “The gift of Lord Tissadatta, brother of Lord Magjihima). The image house situated inside a cave has a reclining buddha statue with intricate painting on the roof of the cave similar to those found in Dambulla.
The temples has many caves with high drip ledges. Modern structures have now been built in this caves for the dwelling of monks. The stone steps carved in the stone at times runs parallel to the more modern steps making the climb easier.
Lenagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Rock temple situated near Godagama in the western Province. A place reputed to have been used by King Valagamba during his exile.
Vessagiriya is thought to be one of the oldest Cave complexes in the country. By some accounts dating back to Ravana’s father. It is believed that King Vallagamba, fleeing anuradhapura initially had in this complex according to the Mahavamda.The current name of Vessagiriya comes from the fact that this cave complex was handed over to a group of traders turned monks. The Cave complex was expanded to include building for monks, the ruins of which still can be seen. The placement of the stones causes one to wonder whether this is a natural phenomenon. Most rocks are balanced in a manner which seems to defy gravity. The lettering on the drip ledges tells of who donated the caves to the monks. The apparent panels on the face of the rock is called a “Len Dora” of Cave Door. The thinking is that these are magical doors sealed enclosing treasures.
Pilikutuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is home to numerous caves. These caves are thought to have been at one time occupied by King Watagamini Abhaya also know as Valagamba. The surrounding cave temples are thought to have been his hideouts during the 14 years he was in exile till he regained the throne. Once he regained the throne, as mark of respect to those that helped him during his exile, he converted each cave that he stayed at into temple. This temple paintings is the rare instance where the guardians at the door are foreigners showing foreign patronage during the Dutch / Portuguese eras.
The climb to the top is very pleasant and easy. It can be easily handled by the young children as well. From the top one has a nice view of the Colombo Skyline and also the near by Maligatenne Raja Maha Viharaya, another cave complex occupied by Vallagamba
Maligatenna is reputed to be a hideout of King Valagamba, hence the name loosely translates to palace grounds. Reputed to be the highest point in the Gampaha district, gives an panoramic view of the Colombo skyline. The climb up to the top is through a path way on the right hand side of the temple. The climb is comfortable and takes about 10-20 mins. Passing through some interesting caves, one of which distinctly has 2 rooms and a veranda. The precariously placed boulders adds wonder to the site. Its twin site is Pilikutuwa Raja Maha Viharaya.
Urban Gypsy Sri Lanka 