Ruins of Ancient Henannegala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Hennaanigala Rock — Henannegala Rock
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Henannegala (also spelled Henanigala) is a massive rock formation resembling Sigiriya, located about 11 km from Maha Oya on the Maya Oya–Aralaganwila Road, within the Maduru Oya National Park. This historically important site is believed to have been the final assembly point for Prince Dutugemunu before his decisive campaign against the South Indian ruler Elara in Anuradhapura. Due to its strategic military importance, the area was once called Senanigala, which eventually evolved into Henannegala.

The Monastic Complex beneath the Rock

Beneath this enormous outcrop—far larger than Sigiriya—lie the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 3rd–1st century BCE. The site features one of the longest drip-ledged caves in Sri Lanka, stretching between 457 to 610 meters in length and rising between 3 and 24 meters in height. Three separate drip ledges are carved at different heights to prevent rainwater from seeping into the cave.

At one end of the cave lies a small stupa, which had been partly destroyed by LTTE militants and treasure hunters but was later restored by the Department of Archaeology in November 2014. Further along the cave are the remains of walls believed to be part of a series of meditation chambers. Built from bricks and stone, these rooms were once plastered and contain faint frescoes reminiscent of those at Sigiriya. A total of 21 chambers and over 300 fresco fragments have been identified.

Atop the rock is the base of a large stupa with a circumference of 84 meters, along with the ruins of a possible image house and a natural water basin. In a higher cave is a set of drawings believed to be the work of Veddha (indigenous) artists, suggesting long-term occupation of the site by Sri Lanka’s aboriginal population at one time.

Scattered across the area are additional remnants of the monastic complex: fragments of two Buddha statues destroyed by vandals, the stone elements of ancient buildings, and the foundations of another image house near the end of the main cave.

Prehistoric and Epigraphic Evidence

Archaeologists have also uncovered several prehistoric tools in the caves, indicating that Henannegala served as a habitation site long before it was converted into a Buddhist monastery.

An important rock inscription found in one section of the cave refers to a royal donation of the cave. Prof. S. Paranavitana has suggested that the individuals mentioned in the inscription include the father of King Kavanthissa—making him the grandfather of King Dutugemunu. In contrast, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero argues that the text refers to King Yatalatissa and his brother Gotabaya.

Modern Turmoil and Revival

The site lies dangerously close to Thoppigala, once a stronghold of the LTTE terrorist group. Despite the threat, Ven. Dankumbure Selalankaara Thero lived here in complete isolation until 1986. The closest human settlement was over 10 km away. The LTTE ultimately murdered the monk, destroyed many of the ruins, and used the site as a strategic base. Henannegala remained inaccessible for nearly 25 years until the LTTE was defeated.

In the aftermath, Ven. Gonawela Sudasselankara Thero took the initiative to reclaim and protect the temple. He lived in a modest hut, surviving on the generosity of nearby Buddhist villagers and the Maduru Oya army camp.

Controversy with the Wildlife Department

In 2011, the temple attracted public attention when the monk protested actions by the Department of Wildlife. During the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi (2600th Buddha anniversary), he used an old robe as a banner for the celebration. Wildlife officers removed all decorations and even took legal action against the monk, alleging that lighting oil lamps disturbed wildlife. In court, Officer S.P.P. Lionel even requested that the monk be remanded without bail.

This hardline approach was met with criticism, especially as it contrasted with the department’s silence over massive deforestation in Wilpattu National Park, where illegal settlements were reportedly being established without consequence.

Access and Location

To reach Henanigala, travel approximately 10.5 km along the Maduru Oya Road from Mahaoya. The road is now carpeted up to the Maduru Oya Dam. Along this route also lie the popular Mahaoya hot wells.

3 drip ledges above the cave of Hennaanigala Rock

The massive cave at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

paintings at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

The pond on the rock at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

View of Omanugala from the Hennaanigala Rock

The inscriptions at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

The Pagoda at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

ancient pictures at Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

The Pagoda destroyed by treasure hunters and the terrorists - Hennaanigala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Map of Henannegala

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Driving Directions to Henanigala (Henannegala)

Route from Mahaoya to Henanigala (Henannegala)	Route from Polonnaruwa to Henanigala (Henannegala)
Through : Maduru Oya Road Distance : 10.5 km Travel time : 15 minutes Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Manampitiya – Aralaganwila – Maduruoya Distance : 62.5 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on google map