Ancient Samangala Forest Hermitage in Ampara

Samangala Ancient Forest Hermitage in Ampara – සමන්ගල පුරාණ ලෙන් විහාරය

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Guru Lena at Samangala
Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Samangala Cave Temple Complex believed to be built by the king Saddhatissa (137-119 BC) of Anuradhapura lies about 23 kilometers away from the Ampara Town. This cave complex consists of ab0ut 50 dripledged caves in the eastern slopes of the Samangala rocky hill. These caves have been used by the ancient Buddhist monks for meditation but today only about 10 can be seen while others are still hidden in thick jungle.

Samangala lies in the eastern province of Sri Lanka close to Ampara in the on western side of the Kohombana Juntion on the Ampara – Maha Oya road. This archeological jewel has been neglected during the last 30 years during the bloody separatist war with the Tamil Terrorists with all Sinhalese Buddhists in the region either killed or chased away.

With the end of the war, Samangala Hermitage is now occupied by few priest who is trying to re establish the hermitage.

Few of the caves now can be visited including the largest cave in the complex. Pre Christian Brahmin scripts too can be still seen on some of the caves. A drawing in one cave illustrates an stupa in the style of Sanchi Stupa in India indicating the relationship the temple of that time had with the Indian Buddhist community.

Drawing of the vaddha community which can be seen on another cave suggest that these caves had been used by the Veddhas in a later period when the hermitage was abandoned.

ruins at Samangala - note the steps to reach the rock pond at Samangala

Adobe of the priests built under an ancient drip ledged cave at Samangala

Raja Lena at Samangala - Tallest Drip Ledge Cave in Sri Lanka

Raja Lena at Samangala - The cave is taller than the tree.

Inscriptions at the very top of Raja Lena at Samangala

ruins at Samangala - Cement beloning to 137 BC

Side view of Raja Lena at Samangala - Tallest Drip Ledge Cave in Sri Lanka

Photos courtesy of : Dr Ashan Geeganage

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Map of Ancient Samangala Forest Hermitage in Ampara

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Travel Directions to Ancient Samangala Forest Hermitage in Ampara

Traveling from Ampara, you need to turn left at Werenketagoda and travel around 3 1/2 km on this road. Map indicates a approximate location.

Route from Colombo to Samangla Cave Temple	Route from Ampara to Samangla Cave Temple
Through : Kandy – Mahiyanganaya – Padiyatalawa – Maha Oya Distance : 290 km Travel time : 6-7 hours. Driving directions : see on google map	Distance : 23 km Travel time : 2 hours. Driving directions : see on google map