Kibulagala Rock – birthplace of Nandimithra – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Located on a rocky hill, the rock plateau, Kibulagala Rock is considered a momentous site due to inscriptions located on the summit of the plateau. Considered as the birthplace of the giant Nandimithra who was in *King Dutugemunu’s *Dasa Maha Yoda Sena (“Sena” meaning an army of soldiers), the breathtaking hamlet is located towards the end in the northern section of *Anuradhapura Kingdom.
Due to the shape of the rock resembling the shape of a crocodile (kimbula in Sinhala), the rock is known as “Kibulagala” (meaning the rock in the shape of a crocodile).
Kimbulagala Rock is historically and archaeologically significant due to cave inscriptions and dripstones. There are 13 cave inscriptions written in *Brahmi script from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, including 23 caves with dripstones at the location. The two significant historical sites Erupothana and Neeraviya are located on both sides of Kimbulagala.
As the summit of the rock plateau renders 360-degree angle vistas of Anuradhapura, *Vavuniya, *Trincomalee, *Mannar and *Mullaitivu, tourists spend a few hours at the summit, basking in the glory of the surroundings…
According to chronicles, King Dutugemunu has assigned Nandimithra, security duties of the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
According to *Mahawamsa, Kibulagala Rock had served as a center for battles of Nandimithra giant. Hence, this location has been frequented by King Dutugemunu.
During the war between Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE terrorists, this area was under the control of terrorists, especially, during the last stages of the war. After the war, the area was taken over by the government and re-colonized with the intervention of Sri Lanka Army.
On the other side of the road in front of the hill, there is a large statue of Nandimithra giant constructed by the army after the war. Vanni Archaeological and Folk Museum are located in close proximity to Kibulagala Rock.
Directions: Travel up to Vavuniya town and thereafter turn to Horowpathana Road. Kibulagala Rock is located in the middle of the forest approximately two miles from Mamaduwa Paran.
- Anuradhapura Kingdom – According to *Mahawaṃsa, Anuradhapura was founded by King Pandukabhaya in 437 BC and named in accordance with its capital city. Anuradhapura was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka. The kingdom’s authority extended throughout the island, although, several independent areas emerged from time to time.
- Brahmi inscriptions – The earliest writing system developed in India after the Indus script and considered as an influential writing system. All modern Indian scripts as well as several hundred scripts that are in South Asia, Southeast and East Asia are derived from Brahmi writing system.
- Dasa Maha Yoda – There were 10 well-known giants (Dasa Maha Yoda in Sinhala) Nandimithra, Suranimala, Mahasona, Gotaimbara, Therapuththabhaya, Velusumana, Mahabarana, Kanjadeva, Pussadeva and Labiya Wasaba including giant warrior Bulatha. They formed part of the army of King Dutugemunu, famed for conquering the Chola invaders. They constructed many temples such as the Ruwanveliseya, Mirisawetiya, Thuparamaya and Lovamahapaya (the Brazen Palace) in Anuradhapura.
- King Dutugemunu – Also known as “Duttagamini” was born to a royal family in southern Sri Lanka. His parents were King Kawantissa and Princess Vihara Maha Devi. Prince Dutugemunu became King Dutugemunu (164 BC – 140 BC). His brother was Prince Saddha Tissa who later reigned as the king of Anuradhapura (137 BC-119 BC).
- Mahawamsa – “Great Chronicle” or “Great Dynasty” in Sinhala is the most significant work of Sri Lankan origin written in Pali Language. This Chronicle describes life and times of Sri Lankans from the arrival of Vijaya in 43 BC to the reign of King Mahasena from sixth century BC to fourth century AD. Culavamsa (lesser chronicle) covers the period from fourth century AD to British takeover of Sri Lanka in 1815. Mahawamsa consists of three parts covering a historical record of over two millennia. It is considered as the world’s longest unbroken historical record.
- Mannar – Situated in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, Mannar consists of an area which is part of the mainland as well as Mannar Island, the largest islet in the country. Situated in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, the landscape of Mannar is varied; wooded jungles to paddy fields and palm trees. According to legends, Mannar Island had served as a connection to the southern tip of India in the past.
- Mullaitivu – One of the newly created districts in Sri Lanka (created in 1979), earlier covered by Mannar, Trincomalee and Vavuniya Districts. Mullaitivu occupies the Eastern Part of the Northern Province and is the main town of Mullaitivu District, situated on the north-eastern coast of Northern Province, Sri Lanka. A largely fishing settlement, during the early 20th century, the town grew as an anchoring harbour of the small sailing vessels transporting goods between Colombo and Jaffna.
- Trincomalee – Situated on one of the world’s finest natural and beautiful deep-water harbors, Trincomalee is a port city located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee has attracted seafarers, traders as well as pilgrims from Europe, Australasia, East Asia, Africa, China and Middle East from ancient periods. With a population of approximately 126000 people and located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee is also a major tourist attraction and a port city visited by a large number of local and foreign tourists annually.
- Vavuniya – Capital city of Vavuniya District in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Residents of Vavuniya and the adjacent villages have a strong affinity with Madukanda Temple, an ancient heritage situated approximately four kilometers off Vavuniya town along Horowpathana (situated approximately 52 kilometers from Anuradapura town) road.
