Gampaha Asgiriya Rajamaha Viharaya

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The Gampaha Asgiriya Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple traditionally linked to King Walagamba’s 1st-century BCE exile. It features Kandyan-era murals, a horse-head rock carving, and a sealed “secret tunnel” legendarily connected to the nearby Pilikuththuwa Temple, marking its history as a strategic royal refuge.

Gampaha Asgiriya Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple situated atop a small hill along the Gampaha–Minuwangoda road. The elevated setting and surrounding forested landscape indicate that the site originally functioned as a secluded monastic retreat.

Early History and Legends

According to tradition, the origins of the temple date back to the reign of King Walagamba (89–77 BCE). It is believed that during his period of exile following 104 BCE, the king used these caves as places of refuge. Tradition further holds that he established numerous cave temples across the island at locations where he sought shelter while gathering forces to reclaim his throne from invaders.

Development and Patronage

The principal ancient shrine is located at the summit of the Asgiriya hill and was initially used as a forest hermitage. In later centuries, the temple received royal patronage from a regional ruler known as Sakala Wallabha, during the reign of Parakramabahu VI of the Kotte Kingdom in the 16th century.

One of the natural caves, featuring drip-ledges, has been converted into an image house. Its interior walls are adorned with paintings dating to the Kandyan period, reflecting the artistic traditions of that era.

Archaeological Features

Near the Bodhi tree stands a large rock bearing inscriptions, which is currently protected by the Department of Archaeology. This rock also features a carving of a horse’s head, adding to its historical interest.

A carving of the sacred footprint of the Buddha can be observed on one of the rocks within the premises. Additionally, an ancient pond—now abandoned—exists at the summit, although it has not yet been scientifically dated.

Origin of the Name

It is believed that the name Asgiriya is derived from a legend involving the horse of Prince Uttiya, the brother of King Kelanitissa, which is said to have mysteriously disappeared in these hills.

Lower Temple Complex

Approximately a century ago, monks constructed an alms hall at the base of the hill to accommodate devotees who found it difficult to climb to the верх temple daily to offer alms. Subsequently, a Buddha image house and a stupa were also built on these lower premises. A Bo tree was planted as well, resulting in the establishment of a secondary temple complex at the foot of the hill.

The Secret Cave and Tunnel

The temple is also notable for a so-called secret tunnel located on the hill. This feature can be accessed by ascending toward the upper temple and turning right midway along the path. The route passes through dense vegetation with thorny bushes, leading to a large rock cave with a drip ledge.

As one proceeds inward, the cave gradually narrows, eventually reaching the entrance to a tunnel. Access to this passage reportedly required crawling through a confined space between the rock and the ground. At present, the entrance has been sealed and is no longer accessible.

Local tradition holds that a significant treasure is hidden within this tunnel. Another belief suggests that it once served as a secret passage leading to Pilikuththuwa Temple, located approximately 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) away.

Evidence of Treasure Hunting

Near the stupa at the summit, there is a deep cavity in the rock. According to local belief, this location once concealed hidden treasure sealed beneath a stone covering. Treasure hunters are said to have broken through this covering and removed its contents. Today, only a hole—now covered with sandbags—remains as evidence of this activity.

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