Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya

Last Updated: July 2012

Pidurangala Temple Archaeological Site

Pidurangala Temple Main Entrance

Although located very close to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala archaeological site is not so commonly visited place. The gravel road by the Sigiriya leads you to Pidurangala. You can follow the Archilogical department name road and need to travel around 2 km.

History of Pidurangala flows beyond the 1 & 2 century B.C. Pidurangala was used as a Monastery from those days. But this place becomes a prominent Biddhist Monastery during the King Kasyapa time ( 477 - 495 AC).

Some believe that Sigiriaya also a Buddhist monastery before the King Kasyapa time. Once he decided to built his fortress in Sigiriya, he requested the monk to move to Pidurangala and had contributed lot for the development of it. It is believed that the "Uppalavanna Kashyapa Giri Viharaya" which was constructed by King Kashyapa was located in the Pidurangala.

Pleases of Interest at Pidurangala Temple ( Site Plan)

Pidurangala Temple Site Plan

There are many archaeologically important places in Pidurangala. The above map ( this picture taken from Pidurangala archaeological office) show the site layout.

The main places of interest includes ;
1. Old Dageba
2. Chapter House
3. Boodhigaraya
4. Preaching Hall
5. Image House
6. Boundray wall
7. Bikku Residence Building

On the Pidurangala Rock;
8. Cave of the Recumbent Buddha Image
9. Ruins of Dagabas

Ruins at Pidurangala Temple

Remainings of the Boodigaraya, Pidurangala Temple

Many ruins of Pidurangala are located by the road side, opposite the temple and you don't have to do any climbing.

Remaining of the old Dageba,Pidurangala Temple

Remainings of the Old Image House, Pidurangala Temple

Remainings of the Pidurangala Temple Chapter Housee

Pidurangala Main Temple

Pidurangala cave temple is located few steps above the road and few Buddha Statues are located inside. This cave temple is not large as Dambulla.

The Boo tree and the Aramaya located in a lower level of a cave temple.

Pidurangala Temple Main Cave Temple

Samadhi Buddha Statue

The tiny footpath just by the right side of the cave temple leads you to the Samadhi Buddha statue and seems that was constructed recently.

Pidurangala Samadhi Buddha Statue

The way top to the Pidurangala Rock

The main path towards to the right hand side of the cave temple leads towards the top of the Pidurangala Rock. There are clear steps in some areas, but not always. Anyway the climbing is not that difficult. Once you climb up for 20 minutes, you will reach a complex of caves. There is a 48 feet reclining Buddha statue is located in the main cave. This statue was made out of bricks and plastered with clay and lime is belonging to the King Kasyapa time. It seems this t this place was a old image house but only the lime plastering is remaining.

Path to the top of the Rock