Heritage

Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya – මුල්ලේගම මුල්ගිරිගල රජමහා විහාරය

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The main cave temple of Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

Mullegama Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple going back to the 3rd – 1st century BC in Nawgaththegama Divisional Secretariat in the Puttalam District. Nawgaththegama lies between Anamaduwa and Galgamuwa.

According to folklore this temple has been built during the reign of king Dappula (659) during the Anuradhapura kingdom. However the ledge inscriptions found at the numerous caves have been dated to 3rd to 1st centuries BC indicating that this site had been used by the meditating Buddhist monks long before the birth of Christ.

The Dagoba in the temple premises may have been subjected to renovation. The buildings presently being used as the residence of the monks in this monastic complex consisting of a cluster of caves with inscriptions had been constructed about 300 years ago and had undergone renovation during the later stages of its existence.

One of the largest caves found at the site has been used as the main image house. This is cave is found midway of up the rocky outcrop on which this temple is located. In addition to this, number of caves with drip ledges and some with inscriptions are found at this location.

primary source : www.archaeology.gov.lk

Ancient steps cut in to the rock leading to the main image house cave at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Ancient steps cut in to the rock leading to the main image house cave at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

The main cave temple of Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

The drip ledge of the main cave temple of Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Entrance to the main cave temple of Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Entrance to the main cave temple of Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

The devalaya at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

The devalaya at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

A cave inscription at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Another cave at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Another cave with dripledges at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

Another cave with dripledges at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Rock Beds "Gal Enda", flat surfaces carved on rocks at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Rock Beds "Gal Enda", flat surfaces carved on rocks at the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajmaha Viharaya

Top of the rock on the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Also See

Map of the Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)

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The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Driving Directions to Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Mullegama Mulgirigala Rajamaha Viharaya

Though : Katunayake Expressway – Chillaw – Anamaduwa
distance : 141 km
Travel time : 3.5 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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