Heritage

Kabella Lena Cave Temple at Wariyapola (වාරියපොල කැබල්ලෑ ලෙන රජ මහා විහාරය)

Kabella Lena Cave Temple is a historic rock monastery near Wariyapola, attributed to King Walagamba’s reign. It features a massive reclining Buddha within a central cave and a striking sculptural depiction of King Devanampiyatissa meeting Mahinda Thero. The site is particularly popular for its powerful Suniyam Devale, attracting many for spiritual rituals and soothsaying.

Kabella Lena Cave Temple is located along the Kurunegala–Puttalam road, close to Wariyapola. Traveling from Kurunegala, a signboard marking the turn-off appears about 300 meters before Wariyapola Junction. From there, turn right and proceed past the 3-kilometer mark to reach the temple.

Historical Background

The temple is believed to date back to the reign of Vattagamini Abhaya (also known as King Walagamba, 1st century BCE). The Len Viharaya (cave shrine) is situated midway up a rocky outcrop, reflecting the early monastic tradition of utilizing natural caves for religious purposes.

Climb and Surroundings

After ascending the rock, visitors first encounter a natural pool. Although visually appealing, it is not well maintained. Continuing upward leads to the main image house, which is said to house one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country, depicting the Parinibbana. However, the door to the image house is generally kept locked, and you may require speaking to the priests to go in to the image house.

Sculptural Features

Beyond the image house and the Bo tree, a unique group of sculptures can be seen at a higher elevation. Carved within a natural cave setting, eight figures depict the historic meeting between Devanampiya Tissa and Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century BCE. Although the subject is ancient, these larger-than-life sculptures appear to be of relatively recent origin.

Scenic Views

From the edge of the rock, the surrounding landscape unfolds dramatically. Expansive coconut plantations stretch across the plains, with distant mountain ranges forming a striking backdrop.

Suniyam Devale

A short walk further leads to the Suniyam Devale, the most frequented site within the temple complex. The deity Suniyam (Suniym Deviyo) is regarded in local belief as a powerful figure associated with protection as well as the ability to cast curses.

Ritual practices are conducted here by a kapurala (ritual officiant), who performs forms of soothsaying on specific days, drawing devotees seeking spiritual guidance or intervention.

The main image house of the Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

The steps leading to the upper temple of the Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

The rock pool at the top of the Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

The Snuyam Devale very popular among the pilgrims - Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

Even Gods need to live - Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

View from the top of Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

A statue depicting King Devanampiyathissa meeting Mahinda Maha Thero and his disciples - Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

King Devanampiyathissa meeting Mahinda Maha Thero and his disciples - Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

An image house - Kebella Lena Rajamaha Viharaya

Other names : Kebella Lena – Keballa Lena – Kebelle Lena – Keballa Lena

Also See

Map of Kabella Lena Cave Temple

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The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Travel Directions to Kabella Lena Cave Temple

Route 1 from Colombo to Kabella Lena	Route from Colombo to Kabella Lena
Though : Ambepussa – Kurunegala Distance :125 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Though : Chilaw (Halawatha) Distance :145 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map

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