Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

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Mayuragiri Len Viharaya marked as #5 in the map - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya) — Mayuragiri Len Viharaya marked as #5 in the map – Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The Mayuragiri Len Viharaya is a 12th-century cave monastery where Queen Sugala protected the Tooth Relic for 75 years. This rugged site features over 70 natural caves, Kandyan-era murals, ancient inscriptions, and a panoramic summit that once served as a strategic lookout.

Mayuragiri Len Viharaya, also known as Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya, is situated on a rocky mountain approximately 1 km (about 0.62 miles) from Monaragala town.

Historical and Legendary Background

According to legend, this cave temple complex reached its height of prominence during the 12th century, when Sugala Devi selected it as a safe house for the Tooth Relic and the alms bowl relic of Buddha for nearly 75 years.

Sugala Devi was the consort of Sri Vallabha, who ruled the Ruhuna Kingdom during the 12th century. Following the death of Vijayabahu I (1070–1110), political instability emerged in Polonnaruwa. As a result, the custodians of the Tooth Relic transferred it to Ruhuna for protection. After the death of Sri Vallabha, their son Manabharana ascended the throne of Ruhuna.

However, Manabharana died of illness after a brief reign. By this time, Parakramabahu I had established his rule in Polonnaruwa, yet the Tooth Relic—an essential symbol of legitimate kingship—remained in Ruhuna. Following Manabharana’s death, Parakramabahu I launched a campaign to seize the relic. In response, the people of Ruhuna sought Sugala Devi to assume leadership and protect both the kingdom and the sacred relics.

For several years, the army of Parakramabahu I was unable to defeat the forces of Sugala Devi, who fought ferociously against the more powerful army. Despite their determined defense, they were eventually defeated, and the relics were taken back to Polonnaruwa.

Early Monastic Tradition

The Mayuragiri mountain contains numerous drip-ledged caves that have served as dwellings for meditating monks for thousands of years. According to folklore, 500 monks led by Mayurapada Thero attained arahantship here after listening to the teachings of Mahinda Thero during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BCE).

Access and Inscriptions

Access to the temple requires a continuous uphill walk of approximately 750 meters (about 0.47 miles) through forested terrain, leading to the present Sanghawasa area.

Just before reaching the main premises, visitors encounter steps carved into the natural rock, along with a pre-Brahmi inscription. In total, six additional inscriptions have been identified within the site. Upon arrival at the premises, the Sanghawasa provides a site map that serves as a useful guide for exploring the extensive complex.

Map of the ruins which is scattered all over the Monaragala Hill

Mayuragiri Lena: The Main Image House

Mayuragiri Lena is one of the principal image houses of the temple and the largest among more than 70 natural caves found on the mountain. Its spacious interior bears a resemblance to the layout of Dambulla Cave Temple.

The entrance to the cave is marked by a doorway flanked by two guardian deities, with lion figures positioned beside them. Over time, the colors on these statues have faded. The ceiling of the entrance area is decorated with unusual black-painted humanoid figures featuring animal-like heads.

Kandyan Period Additions and Present Condition

The image house has undergone renovations during the Kandyan period, and both the murals and statues reflect stylistic features of that era. Although numerous statues remain within the cave, many have been damaged by elements and treasure-hunting activities. Some statues, including the principal reclining Buddha image, have been restored. The ceiling remains richly adorned with Kandyan-era decorative patterns.

Several smaller caves are located around Mayuragiri Lena, although they are currently no longer in use.

Upper Complex and Associated Structures

From the Sanghawasa, ascending further uphill in the opposite direction leads to the ruins of the ancient Dalada Maligawa, where the Tooth Relic was enshrined for nearly 75 years during the 12th century. Today, only the granite pillars that once supported the structure remain.

Beyond this are the ruins of an ancient Natha Devalaya and a smaller cave temple known as Amaragiri Len Viharaya. This cave temple has also suffered extensive damage due to treasure hunting, with many statues partially or completely destroyed in the search for hidden valuables.

Adjacent to Amaragiri Len Viharaya is a now-sealed tunnel traditionally believed to connect to Viharamulla Rajamaha Viharaya, located approximately 4 km (about 2.5 miles) away.

Summit Features

Further ascent leads to a rock bed and the ruins of two stupas, both of which have been disturbed by treasure hunters.

At the summit—now known as Balumgala (Observation Rock)—an Akasa Chetiya once stood. Although the structure has been completely eroded, the cuts carved into the rock for its construction remain visible. The summit offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Direction Board to the Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Towards the Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The rock inscription marked as #3 in the map - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The rock inscription marked as #1 in the map - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Another disused cave - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Inside the disused cave - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

A blank moonstone - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Remnants of a Wahalkada - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Climbing further up using steps cut thousands of years ago - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Ruins of the Dalada Maligawa (the temple of the tooth relic) built in 12th century by Sugala Devi - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Remains of the Natha Devalaya as shown as #12 in the map - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

A moonstone - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The tunnel which is believed to be connecting Viharamulla Rajamaha Viharaya 4 km way. Item #14 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Amaragiri Len Viharaya. Item #13 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Amaragiri Len Viharaya. Item #13 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (MAmaragiri Len Viharaya. Item #13 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)ayuragiri Len Viharaya)

An rock inscription at the Amaragiri Len Viharaya. The inscription belongs to the 5-6th centuries and is written using traditional Sinhalese language using traditional Brahmi script. Item #13 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The rock bed. Item #11 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The only remnants of the Dagaba identified as item #16 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Path towards the second dagaba - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

The second dagaba identified as item #17 possibly destroyed by treasure hunters - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Ruins - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

A torso of possibly a king or a deity - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Part of a ancient retainer wall - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Balumgala, the very top of the Monaragala hill. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Ancient steps cut in to the hill towards Balumgala, the very top of the Monaragala hill. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

Remnants of the ancient Akasha Chethiya at the top of Balumgala. Item #18 on the map. - Monaragala Rajamaha Viharaya (Mayuragiri Len Viharaya)

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