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Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara (ගිරිකුම්බිල නටබුන්)

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a long stone inscription found at Girikumbila Temple
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The ruins of Girikumbila Viharaya, situated near the ancient Rajagala monastic complex in Ampara, are remnants of a significant monastic site associated with early Buddhist history in Sri Lanka. Known in antiquity as Girikumbila Tissa Pabbata Viharaya, this site lies approximately 25 kilometres from Ampara town, near the Rajagalathanne area along the Ampara-Mahaoya road. It is part of the expansive Rajagala ruins, a site believed to have been a major Buddhist monastic settlement.

The Mahavamsa notes that Girikumbila Viharaya was established by Prince Lanjatissa, the eldest son of King Saddhatissa (r. 137–119 BCE). As the administrative head of the Deeghavapi area—a prominent rice-producing region that sustained the Ruhuna Kingdom—Prince Lanjatissa not only fostered agricultural output but also contributed to the establishment of Buddhist monasteries.

In 2021, archaeologists exploring the ancient ruins at Girikumbila Tissa Viharaya uncovered several inscriptions for the first time. Some of these inscriptions provided insights into the financial support and maintenance of the Girikumbila Tissa Pabbata Vihara, particularly under the reign of King Buddhadasa (r. 340–368 CE), the son of King Jettatissa the Great (331–340 CE). These inscriptions detailed annual monetary offerings for the vihara’s upkeep, indicating that these contributions were made ceremonially and celebrated with significant festivity. (Chandrapala, 2011)

The inscriptions are estimated to date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, providing valuable context on regional governance and the intertwining of monastic patronage with royal oversight in ancient Ruhuna in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

A dried out tree on the ruins of a ancient stupa now only visible as a mound of earth at Girikumbila Temple

Ruins of a base of a stone pillar which would have held a building at Girikumbila Temple

Scatted bricks of a ancient stupa now only visible as a mound of earth at Girikumbila Temple

References

Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.
Chandrapala, W. (2011, November 13). Archaeologists uncover rare inscriptions in Ampara. Sunday Times. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://www.sundaytimes.lk/111113/News/nws_021.html

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Map of Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara

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Traveling Directions to Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara

Route from Ampara to Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara

Through : Mahaoya Road
Distance : 25 km
Travel time : 30 mins
Driving directions : see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara

Traveling Directions to Girikumbila Ruins at Ampara

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