Heritage

Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple, Thanthirimale (බිල්ලෑව බරතනාග ලෙන සේනාසනය)

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View from the top of Barathanaga Lena Cave Rock where an ancient stupa stood.

Billewa Barathanaga Cave Temple, near Thanthirimale, is a 3rd-century BC complex featuring ancient drip-ledge caves and prehistoric paintings. Its namesake inscription records a donation by Barathanaga to Buddhist monks. Designated as a protected archaeological site, these caves preserve vital Early Brahmi inscriptions and reflect Sri Lanka’s profound spiritual and prehistoric heritage.

Billewa Barathanaga Cave Temple, located in proximity to Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, is a complex of ancient drip-ledged caves dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The site is situated within Grama Niladhari Wasama No. 368, Nelumvi Galviharawewa, in the Mahavillachchiya Divisional Secretary’s Division of the Anuradhapura District.

Inscriptions

The cave complex comprises several caves bearing inscriptions carved on their drip ledges. The largest cave within the complex contains an inscription indicating that it was donated to the Buddhist monastic community by an individual named Barathanaga. This inscription has been dated to the 3rd century BCE, highlighting the antiquity and historical importance of the site.

Archaeological Importance and Current Status

Prehistoric paintings, along with all caves containing Brahmi inscriptions and other archaeological features within the Billewa Barathanaga Cave Temple complex, have been formally designated as protected archaeological monuments by the Department of Archaeology.

Caves ans inscriptions of of Billewa Barathanaga Cave Temple

Caves with vedda paintings at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Left side of the rock has collapsed to the ground

Cracked and fallen part of the rock cave

More caves with inscriptions at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

The largest cave at the at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Inscription of another rock with one part has disappeared at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple.

A huge tree has grown over the rock with its roots grown over the rock like a beaded hair of a woman - at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Meditation chambers built for the monks by the nature - at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Archaeology Department directions board to Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

View from the top of the rock at Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Inscription on the rock top of Barathanaga Lena Cave where an ancient stupa stood.

Top of Barathanaga Lena Cave where an ancient stupa stood.

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Map of Billewa Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

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Travel Directions to Billewa Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Route from Anuradhapura to Billewa Barathanaga Lena Cave Temple

Distance : 40 km
Travel time : 1 hour
Driving Directions : see on Google map

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