Gopala Pabbatha of Ancient Polonnaruwa

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Gopala Pabbatha in Polonnaruwa is a small cave monastery that also marks the southern boundary of the Alahana Pirivena, located to the north of Rankoth Vehera. The site is seldom visited by pilgrims or tourists, making it an ideal place to experience the same tranquility once sought by hermit bhikkus millennia ago.

Etymology and Early Usage

The name Gopala Pabbatha literally translates to “Herdman’s Rock.” This designation likely preserves a folk memory of the site’s earlier use by local cattle herders, either as a shelter or as a recognizable landmark. According to Bell (1915), at least four caves at the site had been occupied by the first couple of centuries CE by hermit bhikkus. One of these is identified as Madalaya’s Cave, based on a Brahmi inscription discovered within it. It is plausible that Madalaya, the donor of the cave, was a local chieftain.

Historical and Archaeological Significance

The origins of Gopala Pabbatha predate the rise of Polonnaruwa as the capital of the island. Archaeological findings at the site provide clear proof of its occupation centuries before Polonnaruwa came to be occupied as the capital of the Sinhalese rulers of Northern Ceylon. The site is uniquely distinguished within Polonnaruwa as the only location where both an early cave record inscribed in Brahmi and a separate inscription on natural rock have been discovered together (Bell, 1915).

Epigraphical evidence suggests that the site functioned as an early forest monastery. A rock inscription refers to Chulagala Vihare, with one record stating: “Chuda Ahaluya, son of Ahughatiya Buta, bestowed thirty-two . . . . . . . . . . . . . on the Chulagala Vihare.” This indicates that the religious settlement associated with Gopala Pabbatha in the twelfth century was known in the first century as Culagalla Vihara (Paranavitana, 2001).

How to Reach Gopala Pabbatha

Locating this rocky cave complex is not straightforward, as there are no signs or formal acknowledgment of its existence along the standard tourist routes.

After reaching the car park at Rankoth Vehera, proceed along the gravel path that leads toward the monument. Although it appears possible to drive along this way, it is uncertain whether vehicle access is officially permitted.

Continue for approximately 200 meters (656 feet) until reaching a T-junction, then turn right and walk parallel to the main tourist path. After about 80 meters (262 feet), the rocky outcrop marking Gopala Pabbatha will be visible on the right-hand side.

A rock ready to be split open - Gopala Pabbatha Cave Complex

view of Rankoth Vehera from the cave of Gopala Pabbatha

References

Bell, H. C. P. (1915). Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: North-central, Central and North-western Provinces : Annual Report 1911-1912. H. R. Cottle, Government Printer of Ceylon.
Paranavitana, S. (2001). Inscriptions of Ceylon : Volume II Part II Containing Rock and Other Inscriptions From the Reign of Kanitthatissa (164-192, A. D.) to Mahasena (276-303, A . D .): Vol. II-Part II (M. Dias, Ed.). Archaeological Survey Department.
Wikramagamage, C. (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major Natural, Cultural and Historic Sites (1st ed.). Rajarata Development Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

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Map of Gopala Pabbatha at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City

The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the ancient royal city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Central Highway—Kurunegala—Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 230 km Travel Time: 5 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.