Heritage

Ashwaya Bandi Kanda: The Monastic Complex of Girikanta Vihara (පදවිය අශ්වයා බැඳි කන්ද ගිරිකණ්ඨ විහාරය)

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Hidden within the dense jungles of the Padaviya region, Ashwaya Bandi Kanda—literally “the hill where the horse was tied”—is another prominent hill at Padaviya containing extensive monastic ruins. Although its present name stems from British-era folklore claiming that colonial officials tethered their horses there, epigraphic evidence confirms the site’s historical identity as Girikanta Maha Vihara.

Historical Identity

The modern toponym reflects colonial legend, yet approximately 100 meters beyond the central temple zone, an inscription dated to the 5th–6th century CE records the donation of a paddy field named Pula to the monks of Girikanta(ka) Maha Vehera.

The name Girikantaka (Pali: Girikannika) literally signifies “the summit of the rock,” an apt description of the monastery’s elevated location. This establishment is distinct from the Girikantaka mentioned near Mihintale in the Mahavamsa, which indicates that the designation was commonly applied to mountain monasteries.

Archaeological Features

The ruins at Ashwaya Bandi Kanda comprise two stupas. A larger stupa is situated at the base of the rock and appears to have functioned as a congregational monument for lay worshippers. A smaller stupa crowns the summit, likely intended for the use of forest-dwelling (Aranyavasi) monks.

One of the most significant discoveries at the site is a standing Buddha statue approximately 2.4 meters in height (240 cm), sculpted in the Samabhanga posture of balanced symmetry. Stylistically, it corresponds to the 5th–8th century CE “Avukana school” of sculpture, associated with the celebrated image at the Avukana Buddha Statue.

Scattered across the site are numerous monolithic stone pillars, representing the structural remains of an ancient Uposathagara (Chapter House) and Bodhigara (Bo-tree shrine). Partially buried Mura Gal (guard stones) and Korawak Gal (wing stones) remain visible amidst the undergrowth.

Two natural rock caves fitted with kataram (drip ledges) demonstrate that the location was utilized for ascetic meditation prior to the erection of brick-built monuments.

Chronology of Occupation

Fragmentary early Brahmi inscriptions discovered at the site suggest that monastic activity commenced during the early Anuradhapura Kingdom, around the 1st century CE. The majority of the extant structural remains and the principal donation inscriptions date to the 5th–6th centuries CE. This period corresponds with the major irrigation developments undertaken in the Padaviya region, known in antiquity as Padivapi.

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Driving Directions to Padaviya Ashwaya Bandi Kanda Ruins

From Anuradhapura to Padaviya Ashwaya Bandi Kanda Ruins

Through: Medawachchiya – Kebitigollewa
Distance: 95 km
Time to drive: 2 hours
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
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