Dighapashana Cave (Sudassana Padhanagaraya) of Anuradhapura

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Dighapashana (also known as Deegapashana) is an extensive rock outcrop in Anuradhapura, stretching over 10 kilometers. It begins near present-day Vessagiriya—historically the true Isurumuniya before a naming mix-up—and extends through Ranmasu Uyana, the Abhayagiri Monastery, and beyond the northern boundary of the ancient Vijayarama Monastery.

Throughout history, this rock formation has been referred to by various names, including “Digupahana” and “Digugalvila.” Research indicates that settlements existed along this rock as early as the Early Iron Age (1200 BCE – 600 BCE), with caves appearing at different points along its length. Additionally, numerous ancient quarries along the formation highlight its role as a primary source of granite for the Buddhist structures of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

The rock cave complex known as the Digapashana Caves, also referred to as Sudassana Patanagharaya, is located approximately 500 meters west of the Abhayagiri Stupa. This complex consists of nine caves with drip ledges, currently undergoing excavation and restoration. Researchers have determined that Buddhist monks inhabited these caves even before the reign of King Vatta Gamini Abhaya (King Walagamba).

The site exhibits evidence of four distinct cultural phases. The lowest soil strata of the excavation reveal holes used for erecting wooden pillars, indicating an early human settlement with a simple way of life. Over time, as the location transformed into a monastic residence, it underwent multiple renovations and expansions, continuing until the end of the Anuradhapura period (10th century AD).

To visit the site, travel west from Abhayagiri Stupa along Watawandana Road until you find a signboard on the right pointing toward Sudassana Patanagharaya. The Deegapashana Rock can be seen rising slightly on the left, disappearing beneath the road, and re-emerging on the right. From this point, follow the footpath along the rock outcrop for about 100 meters to reach the Padhanaghara cave complex.

Despite its historical significance, this site remains largely unknown and is rarely visited by pilgrims.

Map of the Deegapashana Rock outcrop spreading across the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom
source : An Archeological Study to Identify the Ancient Settlement Pattern of Anuradhapura with Special Reference to the“Deegapasana” Rock Outcrop in Sri Lanka

Map of Dighapashana Cave (Sudassana Padanagaraya) of Anuradhapura Kingdom - අනුරාධපුර දීඝ පාෂාණ ලෙන (සුදස්සන පධානඝරය) — Map of Dighapashana Cave (Sudassana Padhanagaraya) of Anuradhapura Kingdom – අනුරාධපුර දීඝ පාෂාණ ලෙන (සුදස්සන පධානඝරය)

References

Mendis, D.T.; Abeywardana, N.; Withanachchi, C.R. An Archaeological Study to Identify the Ancient Settlement Pattern of Anuradhapura with Special Reference to the “Deegapasana” Rock Outcrop in Sri Lanka; Nihal Printers:Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, 2016; (original publication in Sinhala).

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Dighapashana Cave (Sudassana Padhanagaraya) of Anuradhapura Kingdom Map

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps