Pidurangala Temple and The Cave in Sri Lanka By Leelananda Ihalagamage
It is a huge and tremendous rock formation.
If you love travelling, although you have visited many places in the world, my opinion is that you should hike Pidurangala rock which is located in the Sigiriya Village. I must mention here that it is quite difficult. However, if you are looking for an incredible view and further experience to your life you can get it from Pdurangala Rock.
It is a huge and tremendous rock formation situated a few kilometers away from Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. The interesting history related to Prince Kashyapa discloses another hide out where the Prince made the palace on a prominent location. However climbing up to Pidurangala rock is bit of a difficult task but most of the tourists are seen often climbing this massive rock with more interest.
According to the history, Pidurangala Temple goes back beyond the 2nd Century BC, which had been used as a Buddhist Monastery and had become a prominent place during the reign of Sinhalese King Kashyapa. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala.
When King Dhatusena was murdered by his son Prince Kashyapa, he himself fled to Sigiriya to find out a secure place to prevent any attack from his brother Prince Mugalan. At that time Bhikkus had been using Pidurangala cave for meditations. And King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a spectacular place.
Pidurangala was derived from the Sinhala word “pidu + ran + goda” in English it means “offered piles of gold”.
At the main entrance to Pidurangala the old Temple was built in 1930s. However, climbing up to Pidurangala Rock is more difficult than climbing Sigiriya. That is why you should be prepared before beginning to climb the rock. Since it will take at least 2 hours, you must be healthy and fit also fearless. It is advisable to wear steady shoes (probably canvas) and keep spare bottles of drinking water, cream-cracker or savoury biscuits. Start your journey early in the morning or late afternoon. Stop somewhere and take a rest time to time if needed.
You may witness historical marvels like Sigiriya, Dambulla Temple but climbing Pidurangala is a natural wonder. Pidurangala is not only a Temple, but is a way more for being right next to Sigiriya and offering a stunning view of the Sigiriya. Both rocks are of nearly the same height. Sigiriya rises 200 meters abouve the surrounding jungles and Pidurangala is said to be one meter shorter. Pidurangala is particularly beautiful at sun rise. That includes climbing up in the dark but being rewarded with a most beautiful view of a golden land at sun rise. It can be seen around at 6 a.m.
This climging has very steep irregular steps leading to a landing. This exercise is a bit of difficult task, as you climb up you will feel so tired due to there being no clear path or steps or stairs.
I must clearly mention at this point, before you reach the top of the rock you will either get confused or disappointed. Without someone’s help you cannot climb up to the rock due to irregular formation of path and the few boulders and crevices.
Pix. By : Leelananda Ihalagamage
