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    Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya

    The Best Highlights to Explore

    An ancient hilltop monastic complex that once housed thousands of monks, with many monks who had also reached enlightenment, Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple in Yala. With a history going back to the 2nd century B.C., this ancient temple complex has a host of caves, statues, art and stupas. Nestled 400 feet atop a rocky mountain, the monastery is best seen in the evening due to the hot conditions during the daytime.

    Highlights
    • Sithulpawwa is known to have over 160 caves and housed thousands of meditating monks.
    • Ancient paintings like those at Sigiriya depict images of the Buddha and Bodhisattva.
    • Ancient inscriptions and remains of its relic chamber are also found in the monastery.
    • One of the sites where the original 32 sacred Bo-tree saplings were planted.

    This ancient monastic complex is situated in Kirinda and is a popular place to visit in Yala. The top of this rock has been purposely flattened to build the main temple stupa. First built by King Kavantissa around the 2nd century, the monastery received royal attention over the centuries, with many kings adding structures and donating nearby villages for the monks’ sustenance.

    The site features many caves, with one estimate indicating around 160 caves. It also features image houses (which hold statues and art of the Buddha), stupas, circular relic houses, and other architectural features. The cave temples feature art that dates back to the same period as the first stupa and two statues of Awalokeswara Bodhisattva, one dressed in royal clothes and the other in simple robes, depicted among its many treasures. Many early Brahmi script stone inscriptions found here further elevate the importance of the site as a historically important sacred monastery.

    Location and Hours of Operation

    Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya
    Sithulpawwa, Kirinda,
    Hambantota
    Tel: +9447 2 237 375
    Open: Daily 8:30 am – 5:00 pm for visitors
    Tickets: Entrance is Free (As of September 2024)

    Speak to Our Concierge
    Telephone
    +94 76 757 8865
    whatsapp
    +94 76 757 8865
    Address
    2D,
    Inner Bagatalle Road,
    Colombo 03,
    Sri Lanka.

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