Pidurangala Vihara

Pidurangala Vihara (Sinhala: පිදුරංගල විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fort Sigiriya.[1]

Pidurangala Vihara
පිදුරංගල විහාරය
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
DistrictMatale
ProvinceCentral Province
Location
LocationPidurangala, Sri Lanka
Geographic coordinates07°57′57.0″N 80°45′44.7″E
Architecture
TypeBuddhist temple
Website
www.sigiriyafortress.com

Etymology

It is said that the name Pidurangala was derived from the Sinhala words pidu + ran + goda. In English language it means "offered piles of gold".[2]

History

It is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara goes back beyond to the first and second century BC.[3] From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery but became a prominent place during the reign of King Kashyapa (473 - 495 AC).

Pidurangala Temple
Inscriptions in early Brahmi script

According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa had killed his father King Dhatusena and fled to Sigiriya to find out a more secure place to prevent retaliation attacks from his half-brother, Mugalan. With the arrival of King Kashyapa, the Bhikkus who were meditated there were requested move to the nearby Pidurangala.[4] In a sort of compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a prominent place.[3]

The temple

The temple was said to be panchavasa, consisting of five main ritual buildings. Among the buildings are Ancient Stupa, Chapter House, Image House, Bodhighara, Preaching hall, Sangharama (Bikku Residence Building) and inscriptions with drip-ledged caves can be seen.[5]

See also

References
  1. "PIDURANGALA ROCK TEMPLE". Seelanka.net. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  2. "Pidurangala". Sunday Observer. 5 September 2010. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  3. "Pidurangala Temple Archaeological Site". srilankatravelnotes. July 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  4. "Pidurangala: In the midst of serenity". The Sunday Times. 1 November 2009. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  5. "Pidurangala". angelfire.com. 25 March 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
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