Kaltota Lanka Pabbatharama Viharaya

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A naturally formed cave in the rocky landscape of Kaltota Pabbatarama. An inscription is engraved in this cave.

Lanka Pabbatharama Rajamaha Vihara Archaeology site lies just passing Budugala Rajama Vihara Ruins in Kalthota. Both these temples are believed to have been part of the greater monastery of Kuragala. Looking streight up towards the hills behind the temple, you can see the new Stupa buit at the top of Kuragala Rock which is accessible from the other side of the hills.

Somadeva et al. (2015) records ancients caves at Pabbatharama which had been used by meditating bhikkus in the ancient times.

Cave 1 (6°37’29.0″N 80°52’32.0″E)

A newly built (2024) Buddha image in the drip ledge cave at Lanka Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya — A newly built (2024) Buddha image in the drip ledge cave no 1 at Lanka Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

This cave is relatively large and features a drip ledge (kataram). In 2024, a Buddha statue was constructed beneath it. A single line of Brahmi inscription is present on the brow of the cave, towards the right side, just below the drip ledge. One unique feature of this inscription is that it is written from right to left.

Transliteration: Parumaka thishaha lene
Translation : Cave of the chief Tissa

Cave 2 (6°37’29.0″N 80°52’32.0″E)

A cave located in the Kaltota Pabbatarama. Many of the caves here have undergone significant alterations in modern times, and the dilapidated shed in front of this cave is a latrine that has been constructed in this way.

Another significantly modified natural cave was observed at a higher elevation in Pabbatharama. Although a drip ledge has been carved into the rock brow, no inscriptions are visible. In recent times, a brick enclosure has been constructed inside the cave for meditation.

However, the most concerning aspect of the surrounding environment is the presence of a toilet built directly in front of the cave. This placement creates a disruptive and unharmonious setting, making it difficult to imagine how anyone seeking meditation could find peace amid such an incongruous and chaotic atmosphere.

Cave 3 (6°37’29.0″N 80°52’32.0″E)

A cave dwelling located in Kaltota Pabbataramaya

This cave, now transformed into an image house, features a carved drip ledge and a short inscription. To the south of the cave, the remains of an ancient brick wall are visible. It is reasonable to assume that these remnants may have once been part of an older image house, possibly constructed in the nineteenth century.

Transliteration: Batha Shonaha
Translation : Cave of the chief Sona

Cave 4 (6°37’27.0″N 80°52’22.0″E)

This is another cave situated at a higher elevation within the same area. The cave roof reaches a maximum height of approximately 5.50 meters above ground level. It features a drip ledge, with an inscription carved beneath it. Additionally, a temporary shed has been constructed within the cave.

Transliteration: Parumaka Shona Puthaha Batha Punasha Guthasha
Translation : Chieftain Shona’s son, chief Purnagupta (the cave of)

Another naturally formed cave in Kaltota Pabbatarama. What is in front of this cave is the stone-laid foundation of a dwelling built for the residence of monks.

References

Somadeva, R., Wanninayake, A., & Devage, D. (2015). කූරගල ගවේෂණය 2014 – අදියර 1. In පුරාවිද් යා පස්චාත් උපාධි ආයතනයේ මතක සටහන්. Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology.

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Travel Directions to Kaltota Lanka Pabbatharama Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Lanka Pabbatharama Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Balangoda to Lanka Pabbatharama Rajamaha Viharaya
Through : Southern Expressway – Horana – Ratnapura – Balangoda – Rajawaka Distance :163 km Travel time : 5 hours Driving directions : see on Google map	Through : Kaltota Road – Rajawaka Distance : 31 km Travel time : 1 hour Driving directions : see on Google map