Heritage

Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya (එලමල්දෙනිය රජමහා විහාරය)

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The large reclining Buddha image at the cave temple

Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a 2nd-century BCE cave temple attributed to King Saddhatissa. Reached by climbing hundreds of granite steps across a refreshing stream, it features a serene reclining Buddha. The site is a spiritual hub, particularly famed for its shrine dedicated to the widely worshipped deity Rajjuru Bandara.

Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya is located approximately 18 km from Morawaka and about 8 km from Pitabeddara, set atop an isolated rocky hill amidst a calm and undisturbed landscape. The temple dates back to the 2nd century BCE and is traditionally attributed to King Saddha Tissa (137–119 BCE) of the Anuradhapura period. It is believed that the site was established while he governed the ancient Rohana kingdom as a prince (c. 161–137 BCE).

Approach and Setting

Upon arriving at the temple premises, visitors can glimpse the chaitya (stupa) of the temple perched on a distant hilltop. Reaching it involves a descent followed by a climb—an experience that reflects the temple’s secluded and meditative setting.

From the parking area, one must descend over 200 granite steps to reach the base of the hill. At the bottom flows a clear, refreshing stream. After crossing it, the ascent begins, with another 200 or so well-laid granite steps leading up to the main cave shrine.

Cave Temple and Image House

The primary image house is a cave temple constructed on a natural rock platform. Inside, a prominent reclining Buddha statue depicts the Parinibbana, the final passing away of the Buddha. The statues within the cave are now protected by a transparent glass enclosure.

Adjacent to the main shrine is a devale dedicated to Rajjuru Bandara, a widely venerated local deity. For many devotees in the region, this shrine holds particular significance, often drawing more attention than the main image house itself.

Architectural and Natural Features

One notable feature near the cave is a natural water drip emerging directly from the rock, which is collected into a small tank. The image house entrance retains its original granite door frames, even though the structure has undergone several renovations.

Above the cave, a man-made drip ledge has been carved to prevent rainwater from entering the shrine. Interestingly, this is further protected by a larger natural rock overhang formed by two large boulders resting upon one another.

Path to the Stupa

From the devale, another flight of steps leads further upward to the stupa, completing the ascent.

Also See

Map of Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

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Driving Directions to Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Elamaldeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Though : Southern Highway exit – Imaduwa – Akuressa – Pitabeddara
distance : 170 km
Travel time :3.5 hours
Driving directions : see on google map

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