Menikdena Archeological Reserve

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Menikdena Archaeological Reserve is located just a few kilometers from Dambulla, along the Dambulla–Kandy road. The site is nestled between the scenic Menikdena Wewa Reservior and the Nikula (or Menikdena) Hill Range, which rises to about 875 meters. The archaeological reserve covers approximately 2 hectares (5 acres), while the adjoining Menikdena Arboretum spans 14 hectares (35 acres) of forest land.

Historical Background

The origins of the Menikdena Monastery trace back to the reign of King Kithsiri Megha (555–573 CE), although some archaeologists suggest it could date as far back as the 3rd or 4th century CE. It was initially known as Budugama and served as a retreat for reclusive arahants.

Architectural Significance

Menikdena is built in the distinctive style of a Pabbata Vihara, a type of monastic complex designed in harmony with natural rock formations. These complexes typically feature multiple rectangular courtyards arranged at different elevations and surrounded by moats or water channels. The upper courtyard contains four main religious structures arranged in a specific layout—an arrangement detailed in the ancient Sanskrit text Manju Sri Bhashitha Vastuvidyawa (මඤ්ජු ශ්‍රී භාෂිත වාස්තුවිද්‍යාව).

A Pabbata Vihara typically includes a Stupa, a Bodhighara (Bodhi tree shrine), a Patimaghara (Image house) and an Uposathaghara (Chapter house)

Vijayaramaya, Pankuliya Asokaramaya, Pacina Tissa Pabbatha Viharaya, Puliyankulama Pabbata Viharaya (Pubbaramaya), Toluvila and Vessagiriya are the temples of this tradition in Anuradhapura. Kaludiya Pokuna (Dhakkinagiri Viharaya) in Dambulla, Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya, Menikdena, Pulukunava in the Gal Oya valley, a group of shrines at the foot of the rock at Sigiriya and Moragoda in Padaviya are the other provincial sites where Pabbata Vihara have been identified. (Bandaranayake, 1974).

Military History

Menikdena was also a significant military site. King Vijayabahu I used it as a base during his campaigns against the Cholas around 1110–1111 AD, and King Parakramabahu I similarly used it during his campaign against King Gajabahu II (1132–1153 AD). A large ancient campsite remains visible atop the Nikula-Bibile hill, above the Etha Bandi Wewa Reservior—believed to be named after the royal elephant that rested there.

Notable Features

Menikdena retains the typical five structures of a Pabbata Vihara, unlike most ancient monasteries that lacked formal planning. These include:

Stupa: Built on a large raised platform with a restored dome and three of the four Ayakas (frontispieces). These Ayakas, likely dating from the 10th century, featured niches for Buddha or deity statues. One Buddha statue was found during excavations at the eastern Ayaka.
Vahalkada: Also referred to historically as “Adimukha” or “Ayaka”, the Vahalkadas of Menikdena show elaborate design and historical layering.
Entrance: Accessed from the tank side, the entrance features six broad granite steps, guard stones, and a blank moonstone. A granite pillar inscription stands to the right of the steps.
Bodhighara: Located directly opposite the stupa, where the sacred Bodhi tree once stood.
Image House and Chapter House: Situated beyond the stupa and Bodhighara, with the chapter house marked by large, upright stone pillars.

Scattered around the stupa are remnants like carved Siri Pathula (footprints of the Buddha) stones and a broken stone oil lamp. The Yupa Gala (central pillar of the stupa) lies nearby on the ground.

Conservation

Menikdena was officially declared an Archaeological Reserve in 1957, recognizing its religious, architectural, and historical significance.

References

SINHALESE MONASTIC ARCHITECTURE : The Viháras of Anurádhapura. S. D. Bandaranayake (1974)
MEMOIRS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CEYLON – VOLUME X – PART II : THUPA, THUPAGHARA AND THUPA PRASADA. Roland Silva (2004)

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Travel Directions to Menikdena Archeological Reserve

Route from Colombo to Menikdena Archeological Reserve	Route from Kurunegala – Dambulla Road to Menikdena Archeological Reserve
Through : Kelaniya – Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Galewala – Meewalapathaha Junction Distance : 152 Travel time : 4 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Meewalapathaha Junction Distance : 7 km Travel time : 20 minutes Driving directions : see on google map

Route from Dambulla to Menikdena Archeological Reserve

Through : Kandy Road
Distance : 14 km
Travel time : 20-30 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map