Category: Views

Rajagala thenna

Rajagala thenna or Rassasgala is situated in the Ampara district, just 25 km from Ampara. The turn off is well marked off the Ampara Uhana Maha Oya high way. Google maps sometime shows a different turn off.

This is one of the most fascinating places I have visited. It is a must visit if you are in the Eastern province. Its easy to reach, the base site has a large car park, very clean and neat. The climb is a bit strenuous and takes about 45mins. Hence carry plenty of water and probably some energy foods like chocolates.There are two paths; the south path is just shy of 1km and is more gently sloping than the east path which is 1.4km and consists largely of steps. Both paths are well marked and clean. I suggest to climb up the south path and come down the east path. The trek is through the forest and very cool. I climbed at 1 pm on a hot day, but didn’t feel it inside the forest. At the site too one needs to climb further through the forest to see the cave complex.

Both paths converge at the site of Arahat Mahinda thera, who is credited with embedding Buddhism in Sri Lankan culture in 2-3rd century BC. The stone inscription confirms the authencity of the site.

The site is a sprawling Buddhist community with its own lake for water fed by numerous water streams. The ruins here is reminiscent of those in Ritigala and even Anuradhapura or pollonaruwa. The site is better preseved than most othe places. The cave dwellings still has its coloured plaster on its walls. The stone architecture used in the caves reminds one of those found in Kaludiya Pokuna in Kandalama. The stone door frames, stairways with ballustrads still in place is fascinating. The stone bowls used to collect water brought vi’s stone conduits is seen only here. Another aspect thats seen here is that most caves have been used by lay female devotees.

The large stairways leading to the top of the rock where you find further ruins of temple buildings also provides a breath taking panoramic view of the area right upto the east coast.

The east path which starts behind the stupa of Arahat Mahinda, leads one across large ponds on the rock and ruins of dagabos. The stair way down is invariably has a semi circular stepping stone.

Warana Raja Maha Viharaya

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.

Ridee Viharaya

Ridee Viharaya means Silver Temple. After the waging war with King Elara, King Dutugemunu’s treasury was depleted. Hence funding for the building of Ruwanweli Seya was a immense burden on the treasury. The story is that a trader travelling in a caravan stopped close by to this cave for their meals. The trader in need of wood for whips went up the Mountain when he came across bread fruit tree bearing one fruit as large as a water pitcher. The trader thought he will give the first part of the fruit as alms. With faith he announced the meal time and 4 arahats came hither. He tore out the bottom part of the fruit and poured the juice into their arms bowl. Yet again he announced the meal time and another 4 arahats came hither. To them he tore out the kernels and placed in their alms bowls. 3 of them went on their way, but one stay behind and went a bit further and sat down to have his meal. This spot is today marked by a stone structure. Once he has taken his meal, the thera pointed out the cave with a rich vein of Silver to the trader. After all the silver was mined, the cave was converted into a temple.

Today the temple has been very aesthetically renovated retaining its ancient splendour. It is easily accessible by car. The

Kaludiya Pokuna – Mihintale

This well planned cave dewelling complex lies in the slopes of Mihintale. Kalu Diya literally means ‘black water’ a name derived from the shadow cast by the surrounding trees and boulders on the water making it appear black. The caves are well structured as living quarters with sleeping areas and sitting areas along with stone seats. The stone seats atop of rocks could have been used to preach to large gathering of monks or simply to meditate in the soothing breeze blowing across the pond.

Pidurangala

Pidurangala is a rock out crop next to the famed 8th wonder of the ancient world, Sigiriya Rock Fotress. It is said that the Sigirya rock was inhabited by Monks, when King Kashyapa discovered it and wanted to convert it to his citadel. Hence he made arrangements for the monks to be moved to Pidurangala rock. The caves bear evidence of separate units for monks which even now is fantastically cool. The giant sleeping buddha statue further points to the religious inhabitants and royal patronage. The Climb to the top is not difficult but not a cake walk either. The best part is creeping under a giant boulder to reach the top.

The entrance is through the Pidurangala viharaya. Tickets needs to be obtained prior to the climb. The Cave temple with its ancient script etched into the rock is worth a visit. The best time to climb is before dawn to witness the sunrise. Ensure you carry a torch with you, if its wearable its better since at certain place you need both hands to navigate over boulders. There is no paved path, but judiciously placed arrows are tricky places helps. Better not to climb alone, however at most times there are others who are climbing, one can go along with them.

People come to witness in the awesomeness of the sunrise in solitude, hence please dont make noice.

Pilikutuwa Raja Maha Viharaya

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

Yakdessgala

When Kuveni was caste out by King Vijaya in favour of a queen from India, Kuveni went to her tribe, the Yakkas. The Yakkas did not want anything to do with here. They believed she betrayed them to Vijaya in exchange for becoming the queen in his kingdom and they caste her out as well. It is said that she cursed the Yakka tribe from atop this rock, hence the name Yakdessgala.

This is a moderately difficult climb. Not suitable for young children or older people. Carry plenty of water, as it can be hot and humid. There is no proper path way up, only pieces of cloth tied to trees intermittently and few arrow. Keep note of these especially when coming down as its easy to get lost. Inform the temple at the entrance of your intentions to climb the rock.

Maligatenna Raja Maha Viharaya

Granite Steps cut into a path between two rocks

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.

Ras Vehera

Ras Vehera or Sessuruwa has one of the largest standing buddha statues in the country. heaved out of a single granite boulder is a twin of a similar statue at Aukana. It is thought that the 2 statues were done by the teacher and the pupil contesting with one another. When the Aukana one was completed the completion of the one at Ras Wehera was stopped. Hence the statue is incomplete of the finer details. While the access to the statue is easy, the climb to the top of the rock is moderately difficult. There is no clear path to the the top, hence it is advisable to do so with a person from the village. The path way is through numerous caves which were inhabited by monks in the past. One particular cave called the “Hulan Gohawawe” or the Windy Cave, which always has a wind blowing through it.

Yapahuwa Fortress

The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress was one of the places where the Sacred Tooth Relic was kept during times of invasion from South India. The steep stair way leading to the fortress is to prevent any storming of the place by enemies. The architecture and intricacies of the the sculpture is awesome. Beyond the fortress, its possible to climb to the top of the rock. If one can make it up the steep stairs, then the rest of the climb is also possible. At the top is a remains of a chaitya and small rock pools.