Blog Archives

Maligatenna: Abode of royals entwined in myths and legends – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape… A picturesque hamlet situated in close proximity to Colombo-Kandy main road…A simple abode of ascetic Buddhist monks of yesteryear…A temple situated amidst rocky mountainous frontiers… Situated in close proximity to the picturesque hamlet of Malwathuhiripitiya (a few kilometers from Yakkala in Gampaha District), Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara also known as the “Hermitage of Maligatenna” (according to the name board) with ancient rock cave shelters converted as len vihara (rock temples) dating to the Pre-Christian eras of 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries is a serene temple in a spectacular environment constructed on a ridge. This sanctified temple had been an abode of *Arhat and meditative bhikkhus. The location has also been a refuge for kings of ancient Sri Lanka who sought sanctuary from enemies, especially invading foreign armies. According to chronicles, *King ...