Heritage

Ampara Buddhangala Monastery (අම්පාර බුද්ධංගල ආරන්‍ය සේනාසනය)

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The stupa which enshrines the relics of Sariputta and Moggalana theros at Buddhangala monastery

Buddhangala Monastery is an ancient Buddhist site located approximately 7 kilometers from Ampara, spread across 1,280 acres and five rocky outcrops. While its exact origins are undocumented, it is believed to date back to the early Digamadulla Kingdom, founded in the 4th century BCE by Prince Dighayu. Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero suggests the monastery’s history may be as old as the kingdom itself.

Rediscovery and Revival

After centuries of neglect and overgrowth, the site was rediscovered in 1964 by Ven. Kalutara Dhammananda Thero, who, with the help of local Buddhist communities, began clearing the area. This marked the beginning of the monastery’s modern revival.

Archaeological Significance and Relics

A major archaeological breakthrough occurred during the excavation of the original stupa. A 4-inch gold relic casket was unearthed, featuring three golden lotus stems, each holding relics. Inscriptions on two of the bo leaf-shaped supports named Sariputta and Moggallana, the chief disciples of the Buddha. While how these relics reached Sri Lanka remains unknown, it is assumed they were preserved privately and later donated. The casket shows 5th-century craftsmanship, though the inscriptions may date to the pre-Christian era.

Challenges and Preservation Efforts

Despite its significance, the site received limited government attention. Ven. Dhammananda, along with Buddhist civil servants, protected the site from encroachment and attempts to construct structures—such as a tank named “Hijra”—within the sanctuary.

During the civil conflict, Buddhangala faced further threats. Located in an area affected by Tamil Tiger (LTTE) Terrorist Group, the site was at risk of destruction. Despite danger, the monks refused to abandon the monastery. The Sri Lankan Army provided protection during this period. After the conflict ended in 2009, public access resumed.

Historical and Cultural Context

The original name of Buddhangala is not known, one belief is that the name is derived due the shape of the rock formation, which looks like Buddha in a lying position. The Tamils and the Muslims who now occupy the land surrounding the hermitage area call this “Buddhankalei” and the current Sinhalese name Buddhangala could have been derived from this.

Buddhangala is located in a region historically known as Pachinadesa (Eastern Kingdom), which spanned from the Mahaweli to Kumbukkan Oya. Inscriptions and archaeological remains suggest strong links to early Sinhala Buddhist culture. Prince Dighayu’s lineage, including Dighagamini and Queen Chitra, played a pivotal role in uniting Digamadulla with Rajarata. Notably, this region flourished during the reign of King Saddhatissa, brother of Dutugemunu, who promoted agriculture and Buddhist culture.

Evidence from Inscriptions and Architecture

Numerous artifacts support the site’s ancient origins:

Cave inscriptions in early Brahmi script.
References to historical figures like Chitradevi, Digati, and Digamita, possibly linked to the founding royal family.
Bricks, moonstones, and guard stones date back to the pre-Christian era and 6th–7th centuries CE.
A relic casket resembling those at Kotavehera (Dedigama) and Mihintale, with a central lotus design possibly symbolizing the Buddha leading the Sangha.
Evidence of architectural traditions involving guardian gods and symbolic carvings on moonstones.

Continued Heritage and Protection Efforts

Today, Buddhangala is recognized for its archaeological and religious value. Despite threats from illegal encroachments and environmental degradation, the efforts of Ven. Dhammananda Thero and his assistant Ven. Batayaye Ariyawansa Thero, alongside government officials and local devotees, have preserved much of the site’s heritage. Their vigilance has protected Buddhangala from treasure hunters and destruction, even as similar sites have suffered loss.

Plaque installed by the President W. Gopallawa in 1974 at the opening of the new stupa

An ancient pair of balustrades now decorate the southern entrence of the new image house

"Pada Lanchana", the foot print of Buddha, an ancient form of representing Buddha before statues were built. Three circles along the brim is said to represent the triple gem, Buddha Dhamma & Sangha. A circular hole under this stone is thought to be used as a relic chamber in the ancient times

A replica of Gal Viharaya of Polonnaruwa

The caves where the head priest lives. This area is used as a library where valuable talipot inscriptions and discovered relics are kept.

A replica of Gal Viharaya of Polonnaruwa at the Buddhangala monastery

Also See

Map of Buddhangala Monastery

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Driving Directions To Buddhangala

Route from Colombo to Buddhangala in Ampara 1	Route from Colombo to Buddhangala in Ampara 2
Through : Kandy-Mahiyangane-Padiyatalawa distance : 320 km Travel time : 6-7 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Ratnapura – Beragala – Wellawaya – Monaragla distance : 340 km Travel time : 6-7 hours Driving directions : see on google map
Route from Ampara town to Buddhangala
distance : 8 km Travel time : 30-45 mins Driving directions : see on google map

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