Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(7 votes, average: 2.29 out of 5)

The dilapidated stupa at the top of the rock at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya at Kaladi (Punniyadi/Verugal) is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient but forgotten Buddhist heritage sites, located in the Eastern Province. This temple, built over 2,000 years ago by King Mahadathika Mahanaga (9–21 CE) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, stands atop a rocky outcrop commanding a wide view of the surrounding plains. In more recent times, the LTTE used this rock as a base for their eastern radio transmission station, which led to significant destruction of the ancient remains.

The Ancient Inscriptions

Six inscriptions carved in ancient Brahmi script provide rare insights into a flourishing commercial civilization that once thrived here. These inscriptions are considered among the most significant archaeological records found at the site. Three of them are located close together on the western side of the rock that holds the stupa. Over time, constant human activity and exposure to the elements have caused these inscriptions to fade. A fourth inscription lies on a lower rock surface, while the fifth and sixth are positioned behind the main rock.

The first inscription, though partially eroded, begins with the words “Amathe rakayame pahana pavatha vihara” and records an offering of gold coins. It confirms that the monastery was built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga. Similar inscriptions bearing this king’s name have been discovered in other coastal areas of the Eastern Province. One record states that the king granted the monastery water rights from a nearby stream and exempted temple lands from general taxation. A smaller adjoining inscription mentions that the king purchased land and donated it to Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya.

The second inscription describes how a minister named Rakhaya donated the interest earned from depositing five hundred gold coins in a bank connected to a commercial establishment. This reference is remarkable, as it predates the Thonigala Inscription of King Kithsirimevan (299–327 CE), which was previously considered the earliest record of banking in Sri Lanka.

The third inscription refers to a trading city called Thadavita, which had a commercial center named Manarama. It records that King Mahasen (276–299 CE) offered the interest earned by depositing paddy from his own fields in a bank to the temple. Another inscription mentions a city called Thubavatiya, located east of Thadavita, where earnings from another deposit were offered to the Mangala Chaittya—the ancient name for the stupa now in ruins at Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya.

Another record details offerings of gold coins made to support daily alms for the resident monks. These inscriptions clearly indicate that the Seruvila region once hosted a network of prosperous commercial cities with established banking systems. Linguistic evidence shows that all the names in these inscriptions are of Sinhalese origin.

Taken together, these findings suggest that Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya, built in the early centuries CE, evolved into a thriving rock temple with a resident monastic community. Archaeologists continue to study the inscriptions to uncover further details of its past.

The Ruined Stupa

Rediscovered after the defeat of the LTTE terrorists, the site bears scars of both neglect and destruction. The upper section of the stupa was demolished by the LTTE terrorists to build a radio transmission tower, and treasure hunters have dug deep pits into its dome. The stupa, which measures about 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter at its base, was constructed with different types of bricks—curved bricks scattered nearby suggest remnants of the spire. A pillar base and rows of holes drilled into the rock indicate that another structure once stood below the stupa. A rock-carved flight of steps, facing south, appears to have been the main access route, while the northern side drops off steeply into a precipice.

Modern Challenges and Protection Efforts

The temple complex covers approximately 50 acres and remains under threat from local political interests. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has repeatedly attempted to claim portions of the land to build a Hindu kovil. The temple is currently guarded by a single monk, Rev. Dr. Devananda Thero, who has endured ongoing intimidation and legal challenges. A medical doctor who took robes later in life, he continues to safeguard this sacred site despite constant threats.

According to Rev. Devananda Thero, he rarely stays overnight at the temple due to safety concerns. When asked about the police presence at the entrance, he remarked, “They are not here to protect me, but to protect the kovil.” A court case has even been filed against him, accusing him of setting fire to the nearby Hindu shrine—a charge he firmly denies. Before parting, the monk solemnly stated, “මේවා අපි බලාගත්තේ නැතිනම් කවුරු බලාගනීවිද මහත්තයෝ”—“If we do not protect these places, who else will?”

A pond at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Steps cut in to the rock at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Another stone inscriptions at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

One of the stone inscriptions at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Transmission Tower of the LTTE Terrorists at Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

The lorry driven by the head priest of Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Ancient inscriptions of the Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya rocks

View from the top of Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya rocks

Primary Source : rebelofkandy.blogspot.com

Also See

Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya in Punniyadi in Trincomalee (3rd to 4th centuries AD), a magnificent Buddhist rock temple that existed 2000 years ago!

Map of Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

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

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Travel Directions to Pashana Pabbata Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Trincomalee to Pashana Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya
Through : Krunegala – Dambulla – Kantale – Sooriyapura Distance : 295 Travel time : 7 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Kinnya Distance : 64 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on google map