Mulkirigala Cave Temple’s origins date back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. This ancient Buddhist Temple in Tangalle has a long and fascinating history and is a popular viewpoint for glorious sunrises and sunsets of the south. Popularly known as “Little Sigiriya,” Mulkirigala rock rises 673 feet and has stone-cut steps to reach the rock summit.
The importance of a Buddhist temple throughout the ages, from its beginnings, is evident in the paintings and renovations done by many kings of different periods, including Kandy, the last kingdom.
Located 20 minutes inland from Tangalle on the Tangalla-Weeraketiya Road, this ancient temple is among the South’s most sacred places. Mulkirigala attracts devotees and visitors from all over the country because of its historical importance, Buddhist heritage, architectural and archaeological treasures, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the rocks’ summit.
The temple has 533 steps to the summit with mischievous monkeys to keep an eye on during the climb, as they are known to grab exposed snacks from visitors! The best time to climb the rock summit is at sunrise or sunset for amazing views of the surroundings, and the summit is famous for magical photography.
Believed to have been built by King Kavantissa (205-161 B.C.), the temple received Royal attention from various kings from different periods, who built statues and stupas and adorned the caves with art, right up to the Kandyan monarch King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1780 A.D.).
It was also at Mulkirigala that Colonial Civil servant George Turner, also known as Turnour, discovered the Vamsattappakasini or the Tika, Sri Lanka’s “Rosetta Stone,” which helped to decipher and led to the translation of the ancient historical chronicles of the island, the “Mahavamsa.”
The functioning temple is located here, along with the sacred Bo Tree and the twin cave temples known as the Paduma Rahat Viharaya. The caves house two 45-foot Buddha statues in the state of “Parinirvana,” or passing into Nirvana. Statues of lords Kataragama, Vishnu, and Vibhishana, among others, are also found here. The interior walls and ceiling of the caves in Paduma showcase ancient murals, some from the Kandyan period.
There are four temples here. The primary and oldest temple, the Raja Maha Viharaya, is attributed to King Kavantissa and houses a 49-foot reclining Buddha statue. The three other temples are Aluth, Naga, and Pirinivan Viharaya. Many believe that the pond in front of Naga Viharaya can cure infertility.
A giant fissure from this rock going all the way down is attributed to a legend created by a giant serpent who sprang out from the rock, making the fissure. Interestingly, the name of the South American snake Ananconda is believed to derive from the Sinhalese word “Henakadaya,” meaning “large/giant bodied.” This is undoubtedly the type of snake that could account for this feature at Mulkirigala!
The original ancient Bo tree is situated on the summit, along with a bell tower and ancient paintings and sculptures. These colourful murals depict stories from the Buddha’s prior births and other images. The panoramic views that greet you here at the top are stunning and magnificent.
Tip: Please dress respectfully with covered knees and shoulders, as it is a functioning monastery.
Mulkirigala Rock and Cave Temple
2 km from Mulkirigala Town on Beliatta – Weeraketiya Road
Open: Daily from 6:00 am-6:00 pm (Avoid Full Moon Poya Days)
Tickets: LKR 500 per adult (Current as of September 2024)