Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya

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The ancient cave image house of Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya
photo licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 by Indika Sandaruwan

Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic hilltop cave temple founded by King Walagamba. Known as a “library” for sacred texts, it features a massive reclining Buddha and a unique “Tampita Viharaya” on stone pillars. After climbing 454 steps, visitors are rewarded with ancient frescoes, medicinal wells, and breathtaking views.

Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya is a picturesque cave temple situated on the summit of a hill. The temple is believed to have been originally established by King Vaṭṭagāmini Abhaya, better known as King Walagamba, during the 1st century BCE. Within the Pothgul Viharaya complex are two temples belonging to two distinct historical periods.

The Ancient Cave Shrine

The cave image house is the most historically significant section of the temple complex. The rock terrace on which the cave stands extends for approximately 106.7 meters (350 feet). All the caves at the site are provided with drip ledges, a common architectural feature of early monastic caves designed to prevent rainwater from entering the interior.

The cave on the left measures about 26.5 meters (87 feet) in length and 18.9 meters (62 feet) in width.

The Cave Temple of Kīrti Śrī Rājasiṃha

On the southern side is another cave temple constructed during the reign of King Kīrti Śrī Rājasiṃha (1747–1781). This cave measures approximately 17.7 meters (56 feet) in length, 8.8 meters (29 feet) in width, and 4.9 meters (16 feet) in height.

Inside this cave stands a reclining Buddha statue measuring about 12.2 meters (40 feet), traditionally described as 27 cubits in length. The statue is made of lime and plaster. Near the head of the reclining Buddha are statues of the deities Saman and Viṣṇu.

Sacred Well and Associated Features

Inside the cave, in front of the Buddha statue, there is a small well used to obtain water for Buddha Pūjā. The well measures about 0.35 meters by 0.35 meters (1 foot 2 inches by 1 foot 2 inches) and has a depth of approximately 1.27 meters (4 feet 2 inches).

To the south of this cave lies another cave containing a stone well, a Bodhi tree, and a stupa.

This natural well is known as Daru Pokuna (“Child Pond”). According to local belief, the water of this pond possesses medicinal properties. Beneath the rock are two meditation cells, and at the far end of the Vihāra compound there is a cell believed to have been used by guards. A secret tunnel can also be seen at the site. The ceiling of the cave is decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Aluth Viharaya – The New Temple

Approximately 21.3 meters (70 feet) to the south of the well lies another cave temple known as Aluth Viharaya, meaning the “New Temple.” Although the present structures and statues were constructed during a later period, this cave is believed to have housed the oldest vihāra of the temple complex.

During the period of Portuguese occupation, the original vihāra and the stupa of this cave were destroyed. The Portuguese subsequently constructed a small fortification at the site.

Origin of the Name Pothgul

Tradition states that after the Tripiṭakaya was committed to writing in Pāli at Alu Vihāraya in Mātale during the reign of King Walagamba, additional copies of the scriptures were sent to this temple for distribution. Because of this association with sacred texts, the temple came to be known as Pothgul (“library”) Viharaya.

The Tampita Viharaya

Within the temple grounds stands an ancient Tampita Viharaya. This architectural form was a distinctive feature of temples during the Kandyan period. In this type of structure, the shrine building is raised above the ground on granite pillars, with wooden platforms laid across them to support the structure.

This particular Tampita Viharaya most likely dates to the reign of King Kīrti Śrī Rājasiṃha.

Access to the Temple

The temple can be reached by traveling approximately 3.2 kilometers along the Ratnapura–Palawela road. From Kotamulla Junction, visitors must turn right near Karangoda Vidyalaya and continue for another 3.2 kilometers. After crossing the river, a further distance of about 0.5 kilometers leads to the temple.

This route represents a relatively new access road to the site. Before reaching the junction near Karangoda Vidyalaya, visitors must cross a small bridge on foot. To reach the precincts of the Viharaya, a climb of 454 steps is required.Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya is a picturesque cave temple situated on the summit of a hill. The temple is believed to have been originally established by King Vaṭṭagāmini Abhaya, better known as King Walagamba, during the 1st century BCE. Within the Pothgul Viharaya complex are two temples belonging to two distinct historical periods.

The Ancient Cave Shrine

The cave on the left measures about 26.5 meters (87 feet) in length and 18.9 meters (62 feet) in width.

The Cave Temple of Kīrti Śrī Rājasiṃha

Sacred Well and Associated Features

To the south of this cave lies another cave containing a stone well, a Bodhi tree, and a stupa.

Aluth Viharaya – The New Temple

During the period of Portuguese occupation, the original vihāra and the stupa of this cave were destroyed. The Portuguese subsequently constructed a small fortification at the site.

Origin of the Name Pothgul

The Tampita Viharaya

This particular Tampita Viharaya most likely dates to the reign of King Kīrti Śrī Rājasiṃha.

Access to the Temple

Climbing 454 steps to reach the temple - Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya

The ancient Daru Pokuna of Ratnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya

References

Abhayavardhana, E. (2002) Heritage of Sabaragamuwa: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Ratnapura: Sabaragamuwa Development Bank, in association with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Gnanawimala, K. (1942). සපරගමූවේ පැරණි ලියවිලි. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Kirielle J. M. Samarakoon Bandara.

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