Historische Höhlen in Sri Lanka
Pilikuttuwa cave temple complex
Sri Lanka ist die Insel der Felsbrocken. Gruppen von Granitfelsen sind in fast allen Landesteilen anzutreffen, nur im zentralen Bergland gibt es weniger. Diese Felsbrocken spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Kulturgeschichte der Nationen. Sie waren die Orte der Eremitierungen im Wald und wurden oft reich geschmückte Wallfahrtsorte. Sri Lanka ist daher auch die Insel der Höhlentempel. Aber beachten Sie: Was in den Reiseführern und in der wissenschaftlichen Literatur über die alte singhalesische Zivilisation "Höhlen" genannt wird, wird in anderen Teilen der Welt in der Regel passender als Felsunterstand bezeichnet. Sri Lankas "Höhlen" sind in der Tat Halbhöhlen, die von einer überhängenden Steinplatte bedeckt sind, und die Hälfte der Seiten eines solchen geschützten Raumes ist offen. Der genaue, archäologische Name für das, was in Sri Lanka "Höhlen" genannt wird, ist der französische Begriff "Abri". Abris finden überall auf der Welt Orte von prähistorischen Artefakten und Knochen. Sri Lanka ist keine Ausnahme von dieser Regel. Aber was in Sri Lanka außergewöhnlich ist, ist die Rolle solcher Abris in der historischen Zeit. Die Anzahl solcher Höhlen und der hohe Prozentsatz an Felsunterkünften, die als Behausungen von buddhistischen Mönchen genutzt wurden, ist in der Tat einzigartig in Sri Lanka. Aus diesem Grund werden sie auf dieser Website als "historische Höhlen" bezeichnet, um sie anderen prähistorischen Höhlen und Abris gegenüberzustellen. In der Tat sind die meisten antiken Tempel in Sri Lanka Felsentempel oder Höhlentempel. Die buddhistischen Klöster Indiens, die denjenigen in Sri Lanka (in den Jahrhunderten um den Beginn der allgemeinen Ära) zeitgemäß waren, waren ebenfalls Höhlentempel, jedoch von einer anderen Art. Hunderte von buddhistischen Klöstern, besonders in Maharashtra im Nordwesten der indischen Dekkan-Halbinsel, waren künstliche Höhlen. Die meisten indischen buddhistischen Höhlenräume sind von Menschen gemacht. Im Gegensatz dazu verwenden fast alle Höhlentempel in Sri Lanka natürliche Höhlen oder Felsunterkünfte als Wohngebäude und auch als Zeremonienhallen buddhistischer Mönche. Es gab auch Tempelanlagen innerhalb der Stadt. Die größten Tempel der alten singhalesischen Zivilisation, Mahavihara, Abhayagiri und Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura, waren überhaupt keine Felsentempel oder Höhlenklöster. Aber selbst in der antiken Stadt Anuradhapura gibt es Höhlentempel, nämlich Isurumuniya und Vessagiriya. Und der älteste bewohnte Teil Polonnaruwas während der singhalesischen Geschichte war auch eine Höhle. Die meisten sri-lankischen Höhlentempel aus der Anuradhapura- und Polonnaruwa-Zeit sind jedoch weit entfernt von den großen Städten. Es waren Waldklöster von zurückgezogenen Mönchen oder sogar von Eremiten, obwohl buddhistische Mönche normalerweise in Gruppen leben und nicht alleine. Die buddhistischen Gebäude in den Städten waren Zentren der Wissenschaft, dienten aber auch als Verwaltungseinheiten, da die "großen drei" Klöster der Anuradhapura-Periode Eigentümer von Land für die Reisanbau waren, die im gesamten singhalesischen Königreich verteilt waren.
Sri Lanka is the island of rock boulders. Groups of granite rocks can be found in almost all parts of the country, only the central hill counry has fewer. These boulders play an important role in the nations cultural history. They were the locations of forest hermitages and often became richly adorned pilgrimage sites. Sri Lanka hence is also the island of cave temples. But be aware: What is called "caves" in guide books nd scientific literature about the ancient Sinhalese civilization, is usually called, more adequately, a rock shelter in other parts of the world. Sri Lanka's "caves" are indeed semi-caves, covered by an overhanging slab of rock, and half of the sides of such a sheltered room are open. The accurate archaelogical name for what is called "caves" in Sri Lanka is the French term "abri". Abris are finding places of prehistoric artefacts and bones all over the world. Sri Lanka is not an exception to that rule. But what's exceptional in Sri Lanka, is the role of such abris in the historical period. The amount of such caves and the high percentage of rock shelters that where used as dwellings of Buddhist monks is indeed unique to Sri Lanka. This is why they are called "historical caves" on this website, in order to contrast them to prehistorical caves and abris elsewhere. In fact, most ancient temples in Sri Lanka are rock temples or cave temples. India's Buddhist monasteries which are contemporary to those in Sri Lanka (in the centuries around the beginning of the common Era) were cave temples, too, but of a different kind. Hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, particulalry in Maharashtra in the northwest of the Indian Dekkan peninsula, were artificial caves. Most Indian Buddhist cave rooms are man-made. In contrast, almost all cave temples in Sri Lanka use natural caves or rock shelters as dwellings and also as ceremonial halls of Buddhist monks. There were temple constructions inside town, too. The largest temples of the ancient Sinhalese civilzation, Mahavihara, Abhayagiri and Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura, were no rock temples or cave monasteries at all. But even in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, there are cave temples, namely Isurumuniya and Vessagiriya. And the oldest inhabited part of Polonnaruwa during the Sinhalese recorded history was a cave, too. But most Sri Lankan cave temples from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods are far away from the big cities. They were forest monasteries of reclusive monks or even of hermits, though Buddhist monks usually live in groups and not alone. The Buddhist edifices in the cities were centres of scholarship but also served as administrational units, because the "big three" monasteries of the Anuradhapura period were owners of land for paddy cultivation distributed all over the Sinhalese kingdom.
Sri Lanka is the island of rock boulders. Groups of granite rocks can be found in almost all parts of the country, only the central hill counry has fewer. These boulders play an important role in the nations cultural history. They were the locations of forest hermitages and often became richly adorned pilgrimage sites. Sri Lanka hence is also the island of cave temples. But be aware: What is called "caves" in guide books nd scientific literature about the ancient Sinhalese civilization, is usually called, more adequately, a rock shelter in other parts of the world. Sri Lanka's "caves" are indeed semi-caves, covered by an overhanging slab of rock, and half of the sides of such a sheltered room are open. The accurate archaelogical name for what is called "caves" in Sri Lanka is the French term "abri". Abris are finding places of prehistoric artefacts and bones all over the world. Sri Lanka is not an exception to that rule. But what's exceptional in Sri Lanka, is the role of such abris in the historical period. The amount of such caves and the high percentage of rock shelters that where used as dwellings of Buddhist monks is indeed unique to Sri Lanka. This is why they are called "historical caves" on this website, in order to contrast them to prehistorical caves and abris elsewhere. In fact, most ancient temples in Sri Lanka are rock temples or cave temples. India's Buddhist monasteries which are contemporary to those in Sri Lanka (in the centuries around the beginning of the common Era) were cave temples, too, but of a different kind. Hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, particulalry in Maharashtra in the northwest of the Indian Dekkan peninsula, were artificial caves. Most Indian Buddhist cave rooms are man-made. In contrast, almost all cave temples in Sri Lanka use natural caves or rock shelters as dwellings and also as ceremonial halls of Buddhist monks. There were temple constructions inside town, too. The largest temples of the ancient Sinhalese civilzation, Mahavihara, Abhayagiri and Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura, were no rock temples or cave monasteries at all. But even in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, there are cave temples, namely Isurumuniya and Vessagiriya. And the oldest inhabited part of Polonnaruwa during the Sinhalese recorded history was a cave, too. But most Sri Lankan cave temples from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods are far away from the big cities. They were forest monasteries of reclusive monks or even of hermits, though Buddhist monks usually live in groups and not alone. The Buddhist edifices in the cities were centres of scholarship but also served as administrational units, because the "big three" monasteries of the Anuradhapura period were owners of land for paddy cultivation distributed all over the Sinhalese kingdom.
Inschriften in Brahmi-Buchstaben an Traufleiste einer Felsnische in Vessagiriya, Anuradhapura
Die Mönche, die ein ungestörtes oder strengeres Leben suchten, das der Meditation gewidmet war, verließen oft die Klöster und wohnten in einer Gruppe von Felsblöcken, die die natürlichen Felsunterkünfte bewohnten. Sie liebten die natürliche Umgebung und änderten nicht viel, aber sie schützten ihre Höhlenräume unter den Steinplatten durch zwei Merkmale. Eine kleine Mauer, nicht in der Größe des Höhleneingangs, trennte den Raum von der Wildnis und hinderte Schlangen daran, den menschlichen Lebensraum zu betreten. Und noch öfter und heute, noch offensichtlicher, haben sie die senkrechte Felsoberfläche direkt über dem Höhleneingang durchtrennt und eine horizontale Tropfkante geschaffen. Regenwasser, das die Felsoberfläche hinunterlief, floss dann nicht in die Wohnung, sondern tropfte vor der Höhle herunter. So blieb die Höhle trockener. Solche Tropfleisten befinden sich in zahlreichen Felsunterkünften auf der ganzen Insel. Und oft wurde die geschützte Felsenoberfläche direkt unter der Tropfkante für Inschriften verwendet, in denen ein König oder Edelmann, der dieses Land besaß, als Spender genannt wurde, der diese Höhle der Sangha oder einem bestimmten Mönch schenkte. Die frühesten Inschriften wurden in Pali-Sprache mit südindischen Brahmi-Schriftzeichen geschrieben. Diese Inschriften sind die ältesten schriftlichen Dokumente der Geschichte Sri Lankas. Da diese Inschriften symbolisch für die Nutzung von Klosterunterkünften sind, handelt es sich bei diesen typischen singhalesischen Mönchszellen um historische Höhlen im eigentlichen Sinne des Wortes "historisch".
Those monks looking for undisturbed or more austere life, dedicated to meditation, often left the monasteries and dwelt in a group of rock boulders, inhabiting the natural rock shelters. They loved the natural setting and did not alter much, but they protecting their "cave" rooms below the slabs of rock by two features. A small wall, not of the full size of the cave entrance, separated the room from the wilderness, hindring snakes to enter the human habitat. And, even more often and today more abviously, they cut the vertical rock surface just above the cave entrance, created a horizontal drip ledge. Rain water running down the rock surface then did not flow into the dwelling but trickled down in drops in front of the cave. Thus the cave remained drier. Such drip ledges can be found at numouous rock shelters throughout the island. And very often the protected rock surface just below the drip ledge was used for inscriptions mentioning a king or nobleman, who owned this land, as the donor, who endowed this cave to the Sangha or to a specific monk. The earliest inscriptions were written in Pali language, with Southindian Brahmi characters. These inscriptions are the oldest written documents of Sri Lankan history. As such inscriptions are emblematic for monastically used rock shelters, these typical Sinhalese natural monk cells are indeed historical caves in the true sense of the word "historical".
Those monks looking for undisturbed or more austere life, dedicated to meditation, often left the monasteries and dwelt in a group of rock boulders, inhabiting the natural rock shelters. They loved the natural setting and did not alter much, but they protecting their "cave" rooms below the slabs of rock by two features. A small wall, not of the full size of the cave entrance, separated the room from the wilderness, hindring snakes to enter the human habitat. And, even more often and today more abviously, they cut the vertical rock surface just above the cave entrance, created a horizontal drip ledge. Rain water running down the rock surface then did not flow into the dwelling but trickled down in drops in front of the cave. Thus the cave remained drier. Such drip ledges can be found at numouous rock shelters throughout the island. And very often the protected rock surface just below the drip ledge was used for inscriptions mentioning a king or nobleman, who owned this land, as the donor, who endowed this cave to the Sangha or to a specific monk. The earliest inscriptions were written in Pali language, with Southindian Brahmi characters. These inscriptions are the oldest written documents of Sri Lankan history. As such inscriptions are emblematic for monastically used rock shelters, these typical Sinhalese natural monk cells are indeed historical caves in the true sense of the word "historical".
Bilder-Höhle von Maligathenna
Mönche, die ein so heiteres Leben in der Wildnis führen, wurden von den singhalesischen Bauern hoch angesehen, die sie mit Lebensmitteln und Kleidung unterstützten. Es ist nicht überraschend, dass fast alle Arahants (Mönche, die das Nirvana erreichten) in Sri Lanka gelebt haben, mit bestimmten historischen Höhlen in Verbindung stehen. Mahinda, der erste buddhistische Mönch in Sri Lanka, hatte seine Höhle mit einem Steinbett in Mihintale. Maliyadeva soll laut den Chroniken der letzte Arahant der Insel vor der Ankunft des zukünftigen Buddhas in Arankale gelebt haben. Unter dem Felsen von Ridigama lebten mehrere Arahants. Auch andere Waldmönche, die in Höhlenwohnungen lebten, wurden für die Frömmigkeit berühmt und wurden von Pilgern besucht. Dies führte zu einer Art Dilemma: Mönche, die ein ruhigeres Leben führen, lockten mehr Besucher an. Die Pilger hatten die Höhlen gern geschmückt, um sie attraktiver zu machen. Könige spendeten Holzhütten für die Mönche in der Nähe ihrer Höhle und verwandelten die Höhle von einer einfachen Wohnung in einen reich verzierten Schreinraum mit Buddha-Statuen und Wandgemälden. Manchmal wurden sogar Stupas in Felsunterkünften in Sri Lanka errichtet. Im Laufe der Jahrhunderte wurden viele alte buddhistische Höhlen zu prächtigen Tempeln. Das bekannteste Beispiel für dieses Ergebnis sind Dambulla, die größte Klosterhöhle Sri Lankas, die heute zum Weltkulturerbe zählt. Aufgrund dieser unterschiedlichen Entwicklungen gibt es in Sri Lanka eine große Auswahl an historischen Höhlen, von denen einige völlig ohne Anzeichen menschlicher Besiedlung bleiben, mit Ausnahme von Tropfkanten oder Inschriften. Andere sind grundlegende Waldwohnungen selbst heute noch, andere sind farbenfroh Bildhäuser unter Felsen.
Monks living such a serene life in the wilderness were highly respected by Sinhalese peasants, who supported them by bringing food and clothes. Not surprisingly, almost all Arahants (monks who reached Nirvana) who are believed to have lived in Sri Lanka, are associated with specific historical caves. Mahinda, the first Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka, had his cave with a stone bed in Mihintale. Maliyadeva, according the chronicles the island's last Arahant before the arrival of the future Buddha, is said to have lived in Arankale. Several Arahants lived below the rock of Ridigama. Also other forest monks living in cave dwellings became famous for the piety and were visited by pilgrims. This caused a kind of dilemma: Monks living a serener life attracted more visitors. The pilgrims liked to have adorned the caves to make them more attractive. And kings donated wooden huts for the monks close to their cave and transformed the cave from a plain dwelling to a richly decorated shrine room with Buddha statues and murals. Sometimes even stupas were erected inside Sri Lankan rock shelters. In the course of the centuries, many ancient Buddhist caves became indeed splendid temples. The most famous example for this result are Sri Lanka's largest monastic caves, Dambulla, which is now a World Heritage Site. As a result of these different delopments, there is a wide range of historic caves in Sri Lanka, some are left completely without any hints of human habitation except drip ledges or inscriptions, other are basic forest dwellings even today, others are a colourful kind of image houses below rocks.
Monks living such a serene life in the wilderness were highly respected by Sinhalese peasants, who supported them by bringing food and clothes. Not surprisingly, almost all Arahants (monks who reached Nirvana) who are believed to have lived in Sri Lanka, are associated with specific historical caves. Mahinda, the first Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka, had his cave with a stone bed in Mihintale. Maliyadeva, according the chronicles the island's last Arahant before the arrival of the future Buddha, is said to have lived in Arankale. Several Arahants lived below the rock of Ridigama. Also other forest monks living in cave dwellings became famous for the piety and were visited by pilgrims. This caused a kind of dilemma: Monks living a serener life attracted more visitors. The pilgrims liked to have adorned the caves to make them more attractive. And kings donated wooden huts for the monks close to their cave and transformed the cave from a plain dwelling to a richly decorated shrine room with Buddha statues and murals. Sometimes even stupas were erected inside Sri Lankan rock shelters. In the course of the centuries, many ancient Buddhist caves became indeed splendid temples. The most famous example for this result are Sri Lanka's largest monastic caves, Dambulla, which is now a World Heritage Site. As a result of these different delopments, there is a wide range of historic caves in Sri Lanka, some are left completely without any hints of human habitation except drip ledges or inscriptions, other are basic forest dwellings even today, others are a colourful kind of image houses below rocks.
Wovul Pone
Wenn Sie erwarten, dass eine Höhle ein System von Räumen und Verbindungsstollen ist, die sich tief unter der Erde erstrecken, gibt es in Sri Lanka nur eine echte Höhle. Es ist die einzige riesige Tropfsteinhöhle der Inseln, Wovul Pone. Diese Höhle liegt am östlichen Rand des Sinharaja-Gebirges. Bis vor kurzem war es für Touristen fast unbekannt. Aber jetzt ist es eine Nummer eins für eine neu eingeführte Urlaubsaktivität in Sri Lanka, die Höhlenforschung. Wovul Pane bleibt natürlich, es ist für Besucher vorbereitet. Es ist absolut unmöglich, das Innere dieses Höhlensystems ohne hochwertige Brenner zu besuchen. "Wovul Pone" bedeutet "Fledermauswohnung". Es ist in der Tat der Lebensraum von Sri Lankas größter Fledermauspopulation von geschätzten Viertel oder einer halben Million Fledermäuse. Die Kalksteinhöhle mit Stalktiten und Stalagmiten ist etwa 500 Millionen Jahre alt. Es erstreckt sich über 135 m und besteht aus mehreren Kammern. Es hat auch einen unterirdischen Wasserfall.
If you expect a cave to be a a system of spaces and connecting tunnels extending deep underground, then there is only one true cave in Sri Lanka. It is the islands's only huge dripstone cave, Wovul Pone. This cave is situated in the eastern outskirts of the Sinharaja mountain range. Until recently, it was almost unknown to tourists. But now it has become a number one destination for a newly introduced holiday activity in Sri Lanka, caving. Wovul Pane remains natural, it is prepared for visitors. It is completely impossible to visit the interior of this cave system without high-quality torches. "Wovul Pone" means "Bats dwelling". It is indeed the habitat of Sri Lanka's largest bats population of an estimated quarter or half a million bats. The limestone cave with stalctites and stalagmites is about 500 million years old. It extends 135 m and consists of several chambers. It also has an underground waterfall.
If you expect a cave to be a a system of spaces and connecting tunnels extending deep underground, then there is only one true cave in Sri Lanka. It is the islands's only huge dripstone cave, Wovul Pone. This cave is situated in the eastern outskirts of the Sinharaja mountain range. Until recently, it was almost unknown to tourists. But now it has become a number one destination for a newly introduced holiday activity in Sri Lanka, caving. Wovul Pane remains natural, it is prepared for visitors. It is completely impossible to visit the interior of this cave system without high-quality torches. "Wovul Pone" means "Bats dwelling". It is indeed the habitat of Sri Lanka's largest bats population of an estimated quarter or half a million bats. The limestone cave with stalctites and stalagmites is about 500 million years old. It extends 135 m and consists of several chambers. It also has an underground waterfall.
Pahiyangala
Pahiyangala, obwohl für Touristen fast unbekannt, ist aus mindestens drei Gründen ein besonderer Ort. Vor allem ist Pahiyangala die geräumigste Schutzhütte in ganz Südasien. Zweitens ist es der Fundort der ärmsten menschlichen Knochen, die bisher in Südasien bekannt sind. Ein Schädel, der in diesem riesigen Abri gefunden wurde, war 34.000 bis 37.000 Jahre alt. Pahiyangala ist eine Ausgrabungsstätte von größter Bedeutung für die Erforschung der prähistorischen Balangoda-Kultur in Sri Lanka. Nicht zuletzt soll Pahiyangala als Wohnsitz eines der berühmtesten Buddhisten der Weltgeschichte, des chinesischen Gelehrten, Pilgers und Entdeckers Faxian (Fa Hsien) gedient haben, daher heißt der Name der Höhle: "Pahiyan" ist die Singhalisierung von Faxian, da das singhalesische Alphabet keine Zeichen für "f" und den griechischen Chi-Sound hat, der für chinesische Wörter als "x" transkribiert wird. Faxian soll mehrere Monate hier gelebt haben, bevor er Siri Pada bestiegen hat.
Pahiyangala, though almost unknown to tourists, is a very special place, for at least three reasons. First of all, Pahiyangala is the most spacious rock shelters all over South Asia. Secondly, it is the finding place of the ealiest human bones that are, up to now, known in South Asia. A scull found in this giant abri was 34,000 to 37,000 years old. Pahiyangala is an excavation site of utmost importance for research on Sri Lanka's prehistoric Balangoda culture. Last not least, Pahiyangala is believed to have served as the abode of one of the most famous Buddhists in world history, the Chinese scholar and pilgrim and explorer Faxian (Fa Hsien), hence the name of the cave: "Pahiyan" is the Sinhalisation of Faxian, since the Sinhala alphabet has no characters for "f" and the Greek chi-sound, which is transcribed as "x" for Chinese words. Faxian is said to have lived here several months before climbing Siri Pada.
Pahiyangala, though almost unknown to tourists, is a very special place, for at least three reasons. First of all, Pahiyangala is the most spacious rock shelters all over South Asia. Secondly, it is the finding place of the ealiest human bones that are, up to now, known in South Asia. A scull found in this giant abri was 34,000 to 37,000 years old. Pahiyangala is an excavation site of utmost importance for research on Sri Lanka's prehistoric Balangoda culture. Last not least, Pahiyangala is believed to have served as the abode of one of the most famous Buddhists in world history, the Chinese scholar and pilgrim and explorer Faxian (Fa Hsien), hence the name of the cave: "Pahiyan" is the Sinhalisation of Faxian, since the Sinhala alphabet has no characters for "f" and the Greek chi-sound, which is transcribed as "x" for Chinese words. Faxian is said to have lived here several months before climbing Siri Pada.
Batadomba Lena
Batadomba Lena ist ein abgelegener Rockshelter in einer Gummiplantage in der Nähe von Kuruwita. Es war eine Art "Heimatgrotte" von Sri Lankas berühmter Familie von Archäologen, Vater und Sohn Deraniyagala. Sie haben bewiesen, dass die späten Pleistozänbewohner von Batadomba Lena eine große Auswahl an Lebensmitteln hatten, darunter auch Schlangen und Affen. Am aufregendsten war Siran U. Deraniyagalas Erkenntnis, dass die in Batadomba Lena lebenden Balangoda-Männer bereits vor 31.000 Jahren geometrische Mikrolithen verwendeten, viele Jahrtausende früher als die Europäer. In Europa ist diese Art von Werkzeug das Markenzeichen der Zeit der Mesolithik oder der Mittleren Steinzeit. Das Vorkommen von Meeresmuscheln war vor allem ein Hinweis darauf, dass zwischen der Küste und dem Hügelland frühe Handelskontakte bestanden. Nach Regenfällen hat Batadomba Lena einen kleinen Wasserfallschleier. Die sehr malerische Stätte kann durch eine Wanderung von 1,5 km in einer sehr angenehmen Landschaft erreicht werden.
Batadomba Lena is a remote rockshelter in a rubber plantation close to Kuruwita. It was a kind of "home cave" of Sri Lanka's renowned family of archaeologists, father and son Deraniyagala. They proved, that Batadomba Lena’s late Pleistocene inhabitants had a broad range of foods, also including snakes and monkeys. Most exciting was Siran U. Deraniyagala's finding, that the Balangoda men living in Batadomba Lena used geometric microliths already 31,000 years ago, many millennia earlier than Europeans. In Europe, this kind of tools is the hallmark of the period called the Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age. Notably, the occurrence of marine shells was a hintf, that there habe been early trade contacts between the coast and the hillcountry. After rainfalls, Batadomba Lena has a small veil of a waterfall. The very picturesque site can be reached by hiking 1.5 km in a very pleasant scenery.
Batadomba Lena is a remote rockshelter in a rubber plantation close to Kuruwita. It was a kind of "home cave" of Sri Lanka's renowned family of archaeologists, father and son Deraniyagala. They proved, that Batadomba Lena’s late Pleistocene inhabitants had a broad range of foods, also including snakes and monkeys. Most exciting was Siran U. Deraniyagala's finding, that the Balangoda men living in Batadomba Lena used geometric microliths already 31,000 years ago, many millennia earlier than Europeans. In Europe, this kind of tools is the hallmark of the period called the Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age. Notably, the occurrence of marine shells was a hintf, that there habe been early trade contacts between the coast and the hillcountry. After rainfalls, Batadomba Lena has a small veil of a waterfall. The very picturesque site can be reached by hiking 1.5 km in a very pleasant scenery.
Divaguhawa
Divaguhawa ist sowohl eine prähistorische als auch eine historische Höhle. In der wissenschaftlichen Literatur ist es unter seinem alten Namen Batathota Lena bekannt, auch Batatota Lena oder Bathatotalena geschrieben. Divaguhawa ist der Name der buddhistischen Pilgerstätte. Es wird als einer von Sri Lankas 16 Solosmathanas betrachtet, die vom Buddha auf seinen drei Reisen auf die Insel besucht wurden. Die singhalesischen Buddhisten glauben, dass Divaguhawa diese Höhle war, die in alten cronicles erwähnt wurde, wo der Buddha beim Aufstieg auf den Adams Peak mit 500 Anhängern ruhte, wo er seinen Fußabdruck, Siri Pada, hinterlassen hatte. Eratna in der Nähe von Divaguhawa ist der Ausgangspunkt einer der drei großen Pilgerrouten zum höchsten Berg Sri Lankas. Die im Kandyan-Stil dekorierte Höhle weist einige interessante Merkmale auf, wie einen liegenden Buddha und Statuen von Hindu-Göttern und einen mit Fisch gefüllten Teich. Es fängt nur Wasser an, wenn Tropfen von der Höhlendecke fallen.
Divaguhawa is both a prehistoric and a historic cave. In scientific literature, it is known under its old name Batathota Lena, also spelt Batatota Lena or Bathatotalena. Divaguhawa is the name of the Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s 16 Solosmathanas, which are places visited by the Buddha during his three journeys to the island. Sinhalese Buddhists believe, that Divaguhawa was that cave, mentioned in ancient cronicles, where the Buddha rested with 500 followers when ascending Adam's Peak, where he had left his footprint, Siri Pada. Eratna near Divaguhawa is the starting point of one of the three major pilgrim routes to the top of Sri Lanka's holy mountain. The cave, decorated in the Kandyan style, has some intersting features, such as a reclining Buddha and statues of Hindu gods and a pond filled with fish. It catches water only from drops fallinf from the cave ceiling.
Divaguhawa is both a prehistoric and a historic cave. In scientific literature, it is known under its old name Batathota Lena, also spelt Batatota Lena or Bathatotalena. Divaguhawa is the name of the Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s 16 Solosmathanas, which are places visited by the Buddha during his three journeys to the island. Sinhalese Buddhists believe, that Divaguhawa was that cave, mentioned in ancient cronicles, where the Buddha rested with 500 followers when ascending Adam's Peak, where he had left his footprint, Siri Pada. Eratna near Divaguhawa is the starting point of one of the three major pilgrim routes to the top of Sri Lanka's holy mountain. The cave, decorated in the Kandyan style, has some intersting features, such as a reclining Buddha and statues of Hindu gods and a pond filled with fish. It catches water only from drops fallinf from the cave ceiling.
Beli Lena
Beli Lena liegt in einer Höhe von 600 m über dem Kelani-Flusstal und ist eine Gruppe vergleichsweise tiefer Höhlen, von denen eine ein großes Ausgrabungsgebiet hat, das für die Erforschung der prähistorischen Balangoda-Kultur in Sri Lanka von Bedeutung war. Hier wurden über 12.000 Jahre alte Skelettfunde gefunden, die von Paul E. P. Deraniyagala, dem Vater des späteren Archäologischen Kommissars S. U. Deraniyagala, als "Homo sapiens balangodensis" bezeichnet wurden. In letzter Zeit hat sich Beli Lena zu einem Ziel für Höhlenexpeditionen entwickelt, die für Anfänger geeignet sind. Der Eingang der größten Höhle liegt hinter einem kleinen Wasserfall, ein sehr malerischer Ort. In den Beli Lena-Höhlen leben Tausende Fledermäuse. Die Region Beli Lena ist ein Paradies für Naturliebhaber, da hier viele Vogelarten und Schmetterlinge leben. Ein Wasserfall für Abseilabenteuer liegt in der Nähe.
Beli Lena, situated in an elevation of 600 m, high above the Kelani River Valley, is a group of comparatively deep caves, one of them has a large excavation area, which was of significance for research on Sri Lanka's prehistoric Balangoda culture. More than 12,000 years old skeletal remains have been found here, which were described as "Homo sapiens balangodensis" by Paul E. P. Deraniyagala, father of the later Archaeological Commissioner S. U. Deraniyagala. Recently, Beli Lena has become a destination of caving expeditions, which are suitable for beginners. The entrance of the largest cave is behind a small waterfall, a very picturesque site indeed. The Beli Lena caves are a habitat of a population of thousands of bats. The region of Beli Lena are a paradise for nature lovers for the abundance in bird species and butterflies. A waterfall for abseiling adventures is close-by.
Beli Lena, situated in an elevation of 600 m, high above the Kelani River Valley, is a group of comparatively deep caves, one of them has a large excavation area, which was of significance for research on Sri Lanka's prehistoric Balangoda culture. More than 12,000 years old skeletal remains have been found here, which were described as "Homo sapiens balangodensis" by Paul E. P. Deraniyagala, father of the later Archaeological Commissioner S. U. Deraniyagala. Recently, Beli Lena has become a destination of caving expeditions, which are suitable for beginners. The entrance of the largest cave is behind a small waterfall, a very picturesque site indeed. The Beli Lena caves are a habitat of a population of thousands of bats. The region of Beli Lena are a paradise for nature lovers for the abundance in bird species and butterflies. A waterfall for abseiling adventures is close-by.
Dimbulagala
Dimbulagala, in den alten Chroniken Sri Lankas als Udumbaragiri oder Dumarakkapabbata bekannt, ist ein isoliertes Gebirgszug mit mehr als 4 km Länge und mehr als 500 m Höhe. Die Briten nannten es Gunners Quoin. Dimbulagala liegt 16 km südöstlich von Polonnaruwa, direkt gegenüber von Mahaweli, dem größten Fluss Sri Lankas. Der Berg hat zu beiden Seiten historische Höhlen, die bereits in der frühen Anuradhapura-Zeit von Waldmönchen bewohnt wurden. Die Pulligoda-Höhlen am südlichen Fuß der Dimbulagala-Hügel beherbergen seltene Gemälde aus der Zeit der Anuradhapura, die nach den berühmten Sigiriya-Fresken die zweitbesten sind. In der Nähe anderer historischer Höhlen wurde am Nordhang ein systematisch geplantes Kloster gegründet, das heute Namal Pokuna heißt. Das moderne Kloster am südwestlichen Ende hat auch Höhlen mit farbenprächtigen Statuen.
Dimbulagala, known as Udumbaragiri or Dumarakkapabbata in Sri Lanka's ancient chronicles, is an isolated mountain range of more than 4 km length and more than 500 m height. The British called it Gunners Quoin. Dimbulagala is situated 16 km southeast of Polonnaruwa, just at the opposite side of Sri Lanka's largest river, Mahaweli. The mountain has historic caves at either side, which were inhabited by forest monks already during the early Anuradhapura period. The Pulligoda caves at the southern foot of the Dimbulagala hills has rare paintings from the Anuradhapura period, which are the second best, after the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Close to other historical caves, a systematically planned monastery, now called Namal Pokuna, was established at the northern slope. The modern monastery at the southwestern end has caves, too, wizh gaudily coloured statues.
Dimbulagala, known as Udumbaragiri or Dumarakkapabbata in Sri Lanka's ancient chronicles, is an isolated mountain range of more than 4 km length and more than 500 m height. The British called it Gunners Quoin. Dimbulagala is situated 16 km southeast of Polonnaruwa, just at the opposite side of Sri Lanka's largest river, Mahaweli. The mountain has historic caves at either side, which were inhabited by forest monks already during the early Anuradhapura period. The Pulligoda caves at the southern foot of the Dimbulagala hills has rare paintings from the Anuradhapura period, which are the second best, after the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Close to other historical caves, a systematically planned monastery, now called Namal Pokuna, was established at the northern slope. The modern monastery at the southwestern end has caves, too, wizh gaudily coloured statues.
Pidurangala
Pidrurangala ist der benachbarte Monadnock von Sigiriya. Als Kassapa den Klosterhöhlenkomplex am Fuße des Sigiriya-Felsens in einen Teil seines Schlossgartens verwandelte, erhielten die Mönche einen neuen Wohnsitz in Pidurangala. Pidurangala hat eine lange Reihe von Abris. Diese Felsunterkünfte sind Ausgrabungsstätten von Interesse für die Vorgeschichte der Insel. Für die Reisenden von heute ist jedoch der attraktivste Abri von einem liegenden Buddha aus Ziegelstein belegt. Auch Teile des Originalputzes sind zu sehen. Diese Buddha-Statue wird König Kassapa, dem Gründer der Sigiriya-Zitadelle, zugeschrieben. Kassapa ist es gewollt, diesen Buddha jeden Tag auf dem Nachbarfelsen begrüßt zu haben. Pidurangala hat auch einen alten liegenden Buddha mit einem Mantel im bunten Kandyan-Stil. Er befindet sich in einem Höhlentempel am Fuße des Hügels. Der höchste Gipfel des Hügels, der nicht leicht zu erreichen ist, ist der beste Aussichtspunkt in der nördlichen Hälfte von Sri Lanka.
Pidrurangala is the neighbouring monadnock of Sigiriya. When Kassapa transformed the monastic cave complex at the foot of the Sigiriya rock to a part of his palace gardens, the monks got a new abode in Pidurangala. Pidurangala has a long row of abris, These rock shelters are excavation sites of interest for the prehistory of the island. But for today's travellers, the most attractive abri is occupied by a reclining Buddha made of brick. Parts of the original plaster can be seen, too. This Buddha statue is attributed to King Kassapa, the founder of the Sigiriya citadel. Kassapa is daid to have greeted this Buddha on the neighbour rock every day. Pidurangala has also an ancient reclining Buddha with a coat in the colourful Kandyan style, it is in a cave temple at the foot of the hill. The very top of the hill, which is not easy to reach, is the best panorama viewpoint in the northern half of Sri Lanka.
Pidrurangala is the neighbouring monadnock of Sigiriya. When Kassapa transformed the monastic cave complex at the foot of the Sigiriya rock to a part of his palace gardens, the monks got a new abode in Pidurangala. Pidurangala has a long row of abris, These rock shelters are excavation sites of interest for the prehistory of the island. But for today's travellers, the most attractive abri is occupied by a reclining Buddha made of brick. Parts of the original plaster can be seen, too. This Buddha statue is attributed to King Kassapa, the founder of the Sigiriya citadel. Kassapa is daid to have greeted this Buddha on the neighbour rock every day. Pidurangala has also an ancient reclining Buddha with a coat in the colourful Kandyan style, it is in a cave temple at the foot of the hill. The very top of the hill, which is not easy to reach, is the best panorama viewpoint in the northern half of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla
Dambulla ist definitiv das herausragendste Beispiel eines alten singhalesischen Höhlentempels, sowohl hinsichtlich der Quantität als auch der Qualität der Statuen und Wandgemälde. Dambulla ist der einzige Höhlentempel in Sri Lanka, der von der UNESCO zum Weltkulturerbe erklärt wurde. Die Geschichte dieses Tempels reicht zurück bis ins 1. oder 2. Jahrhundert v. Chr. Die riesigen Felsunterkünfte, die ursprünglich als Mönchshäuser dienten, wurden im Laufe der Jahrhunderte zu Imagehäusern umgebaut. Die Öffnungen der Höhlen im Süden waren durch Mauern verschlossen. Das Innere wurde mit Hunderten von Buddha-Statuen aus der Anuradhapura-, Polonnaruwa- und Kandy-Zeit dekoriert. Obwohl Spuren früherer Gemälde beweisen, dass Wandmalereien bereits in der Antike existierten, stammen die wundervollen Gemälde, die heute an Decken und Wänden zu sehen sind, aus der Kandyan-Zeit. Diese allerbesten Kandy-Gemälde zeigen einige Ausschnitte aus Buddhas Leben. Mehr...
Dambulla is definitely the most excellent example of an ancient Sinhalese cave temple, concerning both quantity and quality of the statues and murals. Dambulla is the only cave temple in Sri Lanka, which is declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of this temple goes back to the 1st or 2nd century B.C.E. The huge rock shelters, originally serving as monks's dwellings, were transformed to image houses in the course of the centuries. The openings of the caves to the south were closed by walls. And the interior was decorated with hundreds of Buddha statues from the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy periods. Though traces of early paintings prove, that murals existed already in antiquiy, the wonderful paintings that can be seen at the ceilings and walls today, are from the Kandyan period. These very best Kandy paintings show seens from the Buddha's life. More...
Dambulla is definitely the most excellent example of an ancient Sinhalese cave temple, concerning both quantity and quality of the statues and murals. Dambulla is the only cave temple in Sri Lanka, which is declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of this temple goes back to the 1st or 2nd century B.C.E. The huge rock shelters, originally serving as monks's dwellings, were transformed to image houses in the course of the centuries. The openings of the caves to the south were closed by walls. And the interior was decorated with hundreds of Buddha statues from the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy periods. Though traces of early paintings prove, that murals existed already in antiquiy, the wonderful paintings that can be seen at the ceilings and walls today, are from the Kandyan period. These very best Kandy paintings show seens from the Buddha's life. More...
Rasvehera
Rasvehera liegt abseits der Touristenpfade, ist aber aus verschiedenen Gründen einen Besuch wert. Rasveheras Hauptattraktion ist eine kolossale Buddha-Statue im Fels, die als Sasseruwa Buddha bezeichnet wird. Es entspricht in etwa der Größe des viel bekannteren Aukana Buddha. Eine weitere Attraktion von Rasvehera ist die Tierwelt. Das Heiligtum wird vor allem von wilden Elefanten frequentiert. Vor allem ist Rasvehera ein typisch singhalesischer buddhistischer Höhlentempel. Es gibt zwei bemalte Höhlen mit Dutzenden Buddha-Statuen, was Rasvehera zu einer kleineren Version von Dambulla macht. In den Höhlen gibt es Dutzende Buddha-Statuen und Gemälde von Jataka-Geschichten. Diese Texte gehören zu den buddhistischen Heiligen Schriften, die Tipitaka genannt werden. Sie sind sehr beliebte Geschichten, weil sie gut erzählte Geschichten sind, die buddhistische moralische Werte veranschaulichen. Murals aus der Kandyan-Zeit illustrieren gerne einige der beliebtesten Geschichten.
Rasvehera is off the beaten tourist path, though it is a worth a visit for different reasons. Rasvehera's main attraction is a colossal rock-cut Buddha statue, which is called Sasseruwa Buddha. It almost equals the much better known Aukana Buddha in size. Another attraction of Rasvehera is the wildlife. The sanctuary is frequented by wild elephants in particular. But first of all, Rasvehera is a typical Sinhalese Buddhist cave temple. There are two painted caves with dozens of Buddha statue, making Rasvehera a smaller version of Dambulla. The caves have dozens of Buddha statues and paintings of Jataka stories. These texts belong to the Buddhist Holy Scriptures, which are called Tipitaka. They are very popular stories, because they are well narrated stories illustrating Buddhist moral values. Murals from the Kandyan period love to illustrate some of the most beloved of these stories.
Rasvehera is off the beaten tourist path, though it is a worth a visit for different reasons. Rasvehera's main attraction is a colossal rock-cut Buddha statue, which is called Sasseruwa Buddha. It almost equals the much better known Aukana Buddha in size. Another attraction of Rasvehera is the wildlife. The sanctuary is frequented by wild elephants in particular. But first of all, Rasvehera is a typical Sinhalese Buddhist cave temple. There are two painted caves with dozens of Buddha statue, making Rasvehera a smaller version of Dambulla. The caves have dozens of Buddha statues and paintings of Jataka stories. These texts belong to the Buddhist Holy Scriptures, which are called Tipitaka. They are very popular stories, because they are well narrated stories illustrating Buddhist moral values. Murals from the Kandyan period love to illustrate some of the most beloved of these stories.
Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa ist in vielen Reiseführern beschrieben, aber es ist nicht zu voll. Yapahuwa wird gerne "Sri Lankas zweites Sigiriya" genannt, weil es eine Felsenfestung ist, obwohl Yapahuwa aus dem 13. Jahrhundert stammt. Es gibt weitere Gemeinsamkeiten. Zum Beispiel scheinen die Hauptstrukturen von Yapahuwa säkular zu sein. Und Yapahuwa ist der Fundort von Münzen aus einer weit entfernten Region. China-Keramik wurde auch in Yapahuwa gefunden. Ein Highlight für Besucher ist die Palasttreppe mit skulpturaler Verzierung. Sie ähneln zeitgenössischen indischen Kunstwerken. Das Besteigen des Yapahuwa-Felsens wird durch wundervolle Aussichten auf die mit Kokosnussbaum bedeckten Ebenen der Provinz Nordwesten belohnt. Klosterarchitektur, z. ein kleines Stupa, weisen Sie darauf hin, dass der Felsen bereits ein Heiligtum war, bevor er zum Mittelpunkt einer befestigten Stadt wurde. Später wurden die historischen Höhlen des Klosters am Fuße des Felsens im Kandyan-Stil gemalt.
Yapahuwa is described in many guide books, but it is not too crowded. Yapahuwa likes to be called "Sri Lanka's second Sigiriya", because it's a rock fortress, though Yapahuwa is much later, from the 13th century. There are further similarities. For example, Yapahuwa's main structures seem to be secular. And Yapahuwa is the finding place of coins from a far-away region. China ceramics were found in Yapahuwa, too. A highlight for visitors is the palace stairway with sculptural decorations. They are similar to contemporary Indian works of art. Climbing to the top of the Yapahuwa rock is rewarded by wonderful views to the coconut-tree covered plains of the North-Westen Province. But monastic architecture, e.g. a small stupa, indicate, that the rock was already a sanctuary before becoming the centrepiece of a fortified city. later, the historical caves of the monastery at the foot of the rock were painted in the Kandyan style.
Yapahuwa is described in many guide books, but it is not too crowded. Yapahuwa likes to be called "Sri Lanka's second Sigiriya", because it's a rock fortress, though Yapahuwa is much later, from the 13th century. There are further similarities. For example, Yapahuwa's main structures seem to be secular. And Yapahuwa is the finding place of coins from a far-away region. China ceramics were found in Yapahuwa, too. A highlight for visitors is the palace stairway with sculptural decorations. They are similar to contemporary Indian works of art. Climbing to the top of the Yapahuwa rock is rewarded by wonderful views to the coconut-tree covered plains of the North-Westen Province. But monastic architecture, e.g. a small stupa, indicate, that the rock was already a sanctuary before becoming the centrepiece of a fortified city. later, the historical caves of the monastery at the foot of the rock were painted in the Kandyan style.
Ridigama
"Ridi Viharaya" bedeutet "Silberkloster". Es liegt einige Kilometer außerhalb von Ridigama. "Ridagama" bedeutet einfach "Silberdorf". Der Name hängt mit einer berühmten Geschichte zusammen. Als König Dutugemunu (Dutthagamani) den Riesen-Ruwanweliseya-Stupa baute, hatte er kein Geld mehr und benötigte Material. Aber auf wundersame Weise wurde ein Silber oder gerade rechtzeitig an dem Ort gefunden, der jetzt der "Silberne Tempel" ist. In Dankbarkeit baute Dutthagamani das Kloster. An zweiter Stelle nach Dambulla hat Ridigamas Ridi Vihara die größte bemalte Höhle mit Wandmalereien im Kandyan-Stil. Auf dem Sockel des liegenden Buddha sind niederländische Fliesen, ein Geschenk aus dem 18. Jahrhundert, zu sehen, von denen einer Jesus, einige mehr Paulus und andere christliche Heilige darstellt. Neben den typischen Bilderhöhlen im Kandyan-Stil verfügt das Ridi Vihara über ein kleines, aber schönes und gut erhaltenes Gebäude im Polonnaruwa-Stil mit einer interessanten Veranda.
"Ridi Viharaya" means "Silver Monastery". It is located a few kilometres outside Ridigama. "Ridagama" simply means "Silver village". The name is related to a famous story. When King Dutugemunu (Dutthagamani) built the giant Ruwanweliseya stupa, he ran out of funds and required materials. But miraculously, a silver or was found just in time at that place that is now the "Silver Temple". In gratitude, Dutthagamani built the monastery. Second only to Dambulla, Ridigama's Ridi Vihara has the largest painted cave with Kandyan style murals. Notably, Dutch tiles, a gift from the 18th century, can be seen on the pedestal of the reclining Buddha, one of them depicts Jesus, some more Paul and other Christian saints. Beside the typical image caves in the Kandyan style, the Ridi Vihara has a small, but beautiful and well-preserved building in the Polonnaruwa style, with an interesting porch.
"Ridi Viharaya" means "Silver Monastery". It is located a few kilometres outside Ridigama. "Ridagama" simply means "Silver village". The name is related to a famous story. When King Dutugemunu (Dutthagamani) built the giant Ruwanweliseya stupa, he ran out of funds and required materials. But miraculously, a silver or was found just in time at that place that is now the "Silver Temple". In gratitude, Dutthagamani built the monastery. Second only to Dambulla, Ridigama's Ridi Vihara has the largest painted cave with Kandyan style murals. Notably, Dutch tiles, a gift from the 18th century, can be seen on the pedestal of the reclining Buddha, one of them depicts Jesus, some more Paul and other Christian saints. Beside the typical image caves in the Kandyan style, the Ridi Vihara has a small, but beautiful and well-preserved building in the Polonnaruwa style, with an interesting porch.
Aluvihara
Der antike Felsen- und Höhlentempel von Aluvihara in der Nähe von Matale ist für den Theravada-Buddhismus in Sri Lanka und Südostasien von Bedeutung, da er der Ort ist, an dem der 4. Buddhistische Rat abgehalten wurde, um die Heiligen Texte des Buddhismus, das Tipitaka, niederzulegen zum ersten Mal in schriftlicher Form. Dieser Rat fand während der Regierungszeit von König Valagamba statt, nachdem er seinen Wurf in Anuradhapura wiedererlangt hatte. Während seiner Exilzeit, als Anuradhapura von ausländischen Invasoren regiert wurde, waren die buddhistischen Klöster verfallen und viele Mönche spezialisierten sich darauf, Teile der heiligen Texte auswendig zu lernen, die verhungerten. Um den Verlust der Texte zu verhindern, wurden sie nun durch Beschriften auf Palmblättern aufbewahrt. Sri Lanka wurde das einzige Land der Welt, in dem der ursprüngliche Tipitaka bis heute vollständig überliefert wurde. Passenderweise wird heute in Aluvihara ein Palm Script Museum eingerichtet.
The ancient rock and cave temple of Aluvihara near Matale is of significance for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, as it is believed to be the place, where the 4th Buddhist Council was held to lay down the Holy Texts of Buddhism, the Tipitaka, for the first time in written form. This council took place during the reign of King Valagamba, after he had regained his thrown n Anuradhapura. During his years in exile, when Anuradhapura was ruled by foreign invaders, the Buddhist monasteries had fallen into decay and many monks specialized in memorizing parts of the Holy Texts, starved to death. In order to prevent the loss of the texts, they were now safed by inscribing them on palm leaves. Sri Lanka became the only country in the world, where the original Tipitaka was handed down completely till the present day. Appropriately, a palm script museum is established at Aluvihara today.
The ancient rock and cave temple of Aluvihara near Matale is of significance for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, as it is believed to be the place, where the 4th Buddhist Council was held to lay down the Holy Texts of Buddhism, the Tipitaka, for the first time in written form. This council took place during the reign of King Valagamba, after he had regained his thrown n Anuradhapura. During his years in exile, when Anuradhapura was ruled by foreign invaders, the Buddhist monasteries had fallen into decay and many monks specialized in memorizing parts of the Holy Texts, starved to death. In order to prevent the loss of the texts, they were now safed by inscribing them on palm leaves. Sri Lanka became the only country in the world, where the original Tipitaka was handed down completely till the present day. Appropriately, a palm script museum is established at Aluvihara today.
Degaldoruwa
Der Degaldoruwa-Höhlentempel wurde Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts von Kirti Sri Rajasinha restauriert und verschönert. Kandys ehrgeizigster König im Hinblick auf den lebendigen Buddhismus, abgeschlossen von seinem Bruder und Nachfolger Rajadi Rajasinha. Neben Dambulla und Ridigama ist Degaldoruwa eines der besten Beispiele eines mit Kandy-Gemälden verzierten historischen Höhlentempels. Die Haupthöhle ist vollständig mit Wandgemälden bedeckt. Ihre Außenwand, die diesen Felsvorsprung von einer Veranda trennt, ist noch detailreicher. Die Bilder zeigen vier verschiedene Jatakas. "Jataka" bedeutet "Geburtsgeschichte" und bezieht sich auf die buddhistische Idee der Wiedergeburt. Tatsächlich sind die kanonischen Jataka-Geschichten Erzählungen über die früheren Leben des historischen Buddhas. Die beliebteste, auf der linken Seite, ist der Vessantara Jataka, eine Geschichte von äußerster Entsagung und Opferbereitschaft. Degaldoruwa kann behaupten, Sri Lankas beste Beispiele für Jataka-Illustrationen zu haben.
The Degaldoruwa Cave Temple was restored and embellished in the late 18th century by Kirti Sri Rajasinha; Kandy's most ambitious king with regard to riviving Buddhism, and finalized by his brother and successor, Rajadi Rajasinha, Besides Dambulla and Ridigama, Degaldoruwa is one of the best examples of a historical cave temple decorated with Kandy-paintings. The main cave is fully covered with murals. Its outer wall, which separates this rock shelter from a porch, is even richer in details. The paintings depict four different Jatakas. "Jataka" means "birth story", referring to the Buddhist idea of rebirth. Actually, the canonical Jataka stories are narratives about the historical Buddha's previous lifes. The most popular one, depicted on the left side, is the Vessantara Jataka, a story of utmost renunciation and sacrifice. Degaldoruwa can claim to haveSri Lanka's best examples of Jataka illustrations,
The Degaldoruwa Cave Temple was restored and embellished in the late 18th century by Kirti Sri Rajasinha; Kandy's most ambitious king with regard to riviving Buddhism, and finalized by his brother and successor, Rajadi Rajasinha, Besides Dambulla and Ridigama, Degaldoruwa is one of the best examples of a historical cave temple decorated with Kandy-paintings. The main cave is fully covered with murals. Its outer wall, which separates this rock shelter from a porch, is even richer in details. The paintings depict four different Jatakas. "Jataka" means "birth story", referring to the Buddhist idea of rebirth. Actually, the canonical Jataka stories are narratives about the historical Buddha's previous lifes. The most popular one, depicted on the left side, is the Vessantara Jataka, a story of utmost renunciation and sacrifice. Degaldoruwa can claim to haveSri Lanka's best examples of Jataka illustrations,
Buddhangala
Der Buddhangala-Felsentempel ist einer der ältesten buddhistischen Tempel in der Ostprovinz und eines der ältesten buddhistischen Heiligtümer in Sri Lanka. Möglicherweise wurde es bereits von zurückgezogenen buddhistischen Mönchen bewohnt, bevor der Buddhismus im 3. Jahrhundert v. Chr. In Anuradhapura offiziell eingeführt wurde. Dieses Gebiet gehörte einem Fürstentum namens Digamadulla, das im 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr. Von Prinz Dighayu regiert wurde. Das Klostergelände erstreckt sich über 500 Hektar und umfasst 5 Felsen. Historische Höhlen im Tal zwischen den Felsen werden noch immer von Mönchen bewohnt und dienen auch als Bibliothek für wertvolle Handschriften von Palmenblättern. In der Nähe des Eingangs ist eine kleine Nachbildung der Gal Vihara-Gruppe von Stein-geschliffenen Buddhas in Polonnaruwa zu sehen. Buddhangala ist ein typisches Beispiel für ein historisches Kloster im Osten, das jahrhundertelang aufgegeben worden war, bevor einzelne Buddhisten sie wiederentdeckten und wieder zum Leben erweckten.
The Buddhangala rock temple is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in the Eastern Province and one of the oldest Buddhist sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Possibly, it was already inhabited by reclusive Buddhist monks before Buddhism was officially introduced in Anuradhapura in the 3rd century B.C.E. This area belonged to a principality called Digamadulla, which was ruled by Prince Dighayu in the 4th century BC. The monastery premises extend over more than 500 hectares, covering 5 rocks. Historical caves in the valley in between the rocks are still inhabited by monks and are also used as a library for valuable palmleaf manuscript. A small replica of Polonnaruwa's Gal Vihara group of rock-cut Buddhas can be seen near the entrance. Buddhangala is a typical example of a historical monastery in the east which had been abandoned for centuries, before single Buddhist rediscovered them and brought them back to life.
The Buddhangala rock temple is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in the Eastern Province and one of the oldest Buddhist sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Possibly, it was already inhabited by reclusive Buddhist monks before Buddhism was officially introduced in Anuradhapura in the 3rd century B.C.E. This area belonged to a principality called Digamadulla, which was ruled by Prince Dighayu in the 4th century BC. The monastery premises extend over more than 500 hectares, covering 5 rocks. Historical caves in the valley in between the rocks are still inhabited by monks and are also used as a library for valuable palmleaf manuscript. A small replica of Polonnaruwa's Gal Vihara group of rock-cut Buddhas can be seen near the entrance. Buddhangala is a typical example of a historical monastery in the east which had been abandoned for centuries, before single Buddhist rediscovered them and brought them back to life.
Sithulpawwa
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, auch "Sithupahuwa Raja Maha Vihara" genannt, ist ein perfekter Panoramablick auf den gesamten Block 1 des Yala-Nationalparks. Das Kloster liegt auf zwei benachbarten Hügeln. Neben Höhlen gibt es auch mehrere Fundamente aus Backsteinbauten. Das uralte Kloster Sithulpawwa wurde von König Kavantissa, dem Herrscher von Ruhunu (Rohana), dem südlichen Teil Sri Lankas, erbaut. Kavantissa ist der Vater von, der Anuradhapura erobert und die singhalesische Herrschaft über die gesamte Insel wiederhergestellt hat. Der Name "Sithulpawwa" leitet sich von "Chitthala Pabbatha" ab, was "Hügel des friedlichen Geistes" bedeutet. In den historischen Höhlen von Sithulpahuwa sind Spuren seltener Gemälde aus der Zeit der Anuradhapura zu finden, während Buddha- und Bodhisatva-Bilder, die für das südliche Königreich Ruhunu typisch sind, vor den Höhlen platziert werden.
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, also called "Sithupahuwa Raja Maha Vihara", is a perfect panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire block 1 of Yala National Park. The monastery is situated on two neighbouring hillocks. Apart from caves, there are also several foundations of brick buildings. The ancient Sithulpawwa monastery is bellieved to have been built by King Kavantissa, who was the ruler of Ruhunu (Rohana), the southern part of Sri Lanka. Kavantissa is the father of, who conquered Anuradhapura and reestablished Sinhalese rule over the entire island. The name "Sithulpawwa" is derived from "Chitthala Pabbatha", which means "hill of the peaceful mind." Traces of rare Anuradhapura era paintings can be found in the historical caves of Sithulpahuwa, whereas Buddha and Bodhisatva images, typical for the southern kingdom Ruhunu, are placed in front of the caves.
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, also called "Sithupahuwa Raja Maha Vihara", is a perfect panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire block 1 of Yala National Park. The monastery is situated on two neighbouring hillocks. Apart from caves, there are also several foundations of brick buildings. The ancient Sithulpawwa monastery is bellieved to have been built by King Kavantissa, who was the ruler of Ruhunu (Rohana), the southern part of Sri Lanka. Kavantissa is the father of, who conquered Anuradhapura and reestablished Sinhalese rule over the entire island. The name "Sithulpawwa" is derived from "Chitthala Pabbatha", which means "hill of the peaceful mind." Traces of rare Anuradhapura era paintings can be found in the historical caves of Sithulpahuwa, whereas Buddha and Bodhisatva images, typical for the southern kingdom Ruhunu, are placed in front of the caves.
Mulkirigala
Die Inschriften im historischen Höhlentempel von Mulkirigala verkünden, dass der Tempel vor 2000 Jahren ein Klosterkomplex war. Mulkirigala wird gerne "Sigiriya des Südens" genannt, wegen seines steilen Monadnock sowie "Dambulla des Südens" wegen seiner bemalten Höhlen. In Mulkirigala befinden sich die anspruchsvollsten Wandgemälde im Süden Sri Lankas aus der Kandyan-Zeit, insbesondere aus dem 18. Jahrhundert. Der Felsentempel hat Terrassen auf drei Ebenen. Auf der unteren Ebene tragen die inneren Wände der Höhle namens Paduma Rahat Viharaya ausgezeichnete Wandgemälde mit Jataka-Geschichten aus den buddhistischen Schriften. Die nächste Terrasse ist die Meda Maluwe. Mulkirigalas größte Höhle, Raja Mahavihara genannt, verfügt über eine liegende Buddha-Statue und hervorragende Gemälde von Musikern und Tänzern aus der Kandyan-Zeit. Die obere Terrasse hat eine weiße Dagoba und ist ein perfekter Panoramablickpunkt.
The inscriptions at the historical Mulkirigala cave temple proclaim that the temple was a monastic complex 2000 years ago. Mulkirigala likes to be called "Sigiriya of the South" due to its steep tall monadnock as well as "Dambulla of the South" because of its painted caves. Indeed, Mulkirigala has southern Sri Lanka's most sophisticated murals from the Kandyan period, particulalry from the 18th century. The rock temple has terraces on three levels. On the lower level, the inner walls of the cave called Paduma Rahat Viharaya bear excellent murals depicting Jataka stories from the Buddhist scriptures. The next terrace is the Meda Maluwe. Mulkirigala's largest cave, called Raja Mahavihara, has a reclining Buddha statue and excellent paintings of musicians and dancers from the Kandyan era. The upper terrace has a white dagoba and is a perfect panorama view point.
The inscriptions at the historical Mulkirigala cave temple proclaim that the temple was a monastic complex 2000 years ago. Mulkirigala likes to be called "Sigiriya of the South" due to its steep tall monadnock as well as "Dambulla of the South" because of its painted caves. Indeed, Mulkirigala has southern Sri Lanka's most sophisticated murals from the Kandyan period, particulalry from the 18th century. The rock temple has terraces on three levels. On the lower level, the inner walls of the cave called Paduma Rahat Viharaya bear excellent murals depicting Jataka stories from the Buddhist scriptures. The next terrace is the Meda Maluwe. Mulkirigala's largest cave, called Raja Mahavihara, has a reclining Buddha statue and excellent paintings of musicians and dancers from the Kandyan era. The upper terrace has a white dagoba and is a perfect panorama view point.
Sankapala
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya soll von Pussadeva, einem Riesen, gegründet worden sein, der ein Krieger von König Dutugemunu war. Tatsächlich wird der Name "Pussadeva" in einer Felsinschrift in Sankapala erwähnt. Pussadeva war der Helfer des Königs, der die Muschelschale als Signal für die Truppen blies. Die Muschelschale wurde zum Emblem, um ihn zu identifizieren. Nach seinem letzten Sieg belohnte Dutugemunu seine zehn Kommandeure, darunter auch Pussadeva. Die gesamte Gegend, in der Muschelschalengeräusche zu hören waren, als er auf den Berg Sankapala geblasen wurde, wurde ihm als Belohnung übergeben. Später baute er hier einen Tempel, trat in das Priestertum ein und fand Erleuchtung. Sein Mausoleum wird im Tempelgelände verehrt. Während der Regierungszeit des Kandyan-Königs Rajadi Rajasinha wurde Sankhapala, damals ein verlassener Ort, einem buddhistischen Mönch namens Korathota Dhammarama als Belohnung für ein anspruchsvolles Gedicht gespendet, das den König begeistert hatte.
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is said to be founded by Pussadeva, a giant, who was a warrior of King Dutugemunu. Indeed, the name "Pussadeva" is mentioned in a rock inscription in Sankapala. Pussadeva was the king's helper blowing the conch shell as signal for the troops. The conch shell became the emblem to identify him. After his final victory, Dutugemunu rewarded his ten commanders, Pussadeva being one of them. The entire area where conch shell sound could be heard, when he blow it atop of Mount Sankapala, was given to him as a reward. Later, he built a temple here, entered Priesthood, and found enlightenment, His mausoleum is venerated in the temple premises. During the reign of the Kandyan King Rajadi Rajasinha, Sankhapala, then a deserted place, was donated to a Buddhist monk called Korathota Dhammarama as a reward for a sophisticated poem which had delighted the king.
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya is said to be founded by Pussadeva, a giant, who was a warrior of King Dutugemunu. Indeed, the name "Pussadeva" is mentioned in a rock inscription in Sankapala. Pussadeva was the king's helper blowing the conch shell as signal for the troops. The conch shell became the emblem to identify him. After his final victory, Dutugemunu rewarded his ten commanders, Pussadeva being one of them. The entire area where conch shell sound could be heard, when he blow it atop of Mount Sankapala, was given to him as a reward. Later, he built a temple here, entered Priesthood, and found enlightenment, His mausoleum is venerated in the temple premises. During the reign of the Kandyan King Rajadi Rajasinha, Sankhapala, then a deserted place, was donated to a Buddhist monk called Korathota Dhammarama as a reward for a sophisticated poem which had delighted the king.
Pethagangala
Nicht weit von Yakkala, an der A1-Hauptstraße von Colombo nach Kandy, liegt ein bewaldetes Gebiet mit Hügeln und Felsen. Es ist ein ziemlich unberührtes Stück Natur im ansonsten dicht besiedelten Stadtteil Gampaha. Dieses Gebiet, das unter dem Namen Siyane Korale bekannt ist, verfügt über mehrere natürliche Felsunterkünfte, die von buddhistischen Eremiten genutzt wurden, einige davon bis heute. Inmitten dieser üppigen grünen Landschaft befindet sich ein kleiner Waldtempel mit einem spektakulären Balancierfelsen, der dem Buddha mit einer kleinen Dagoba geweiht ist. Er wird nur selten von Touristen besucht und ist den meisten Sri Lankern nicht bekannt. Sein Name ist "Pethagangala", was einfach als "rockender Felsblock" übersetzt wurde. Es gibt viele verschiedene Schreibweisen für diesen Ortsnamen, zum Beispiel "Pettigala", "Pettagangala", "Petthagamgala", "Petta Gam Gala" usw. Zweige werden von Pilgern angebracht, um sie symbolisch in Balance zu halten.
Not far from Yakkala, which is located at the A1 mainroad from Colombo to Kandy, there is a forested area spotted with hills and rocks. It is a quite untouched piece of nature in the otherwise densely populated Gampaha district. This area, historically known as Siyane Korale, has several natural rock shelters which were used by Buddhist hermits, some of them till the present day. Situated amidst this lush green scenery, one small forest temple has a spectacular balancing rock, consecrated to the Buddha by carrying a small dagoba, is very rarely visited by tourists and even unknown to most Sri Lankans. Its name is "Pethagangala", which simply translated to "rocking boulder". There are many different spellings of this toponym, for example "Pettigala", "Pettagangala", "Petthagamgala", "Petta Gam Gala" etc. Twigs are attached by pilgrims to help to keep it in balance symbolically.
Not far from Yakkala, which is located at the A1 mainroad from Colombo to Kandy, there is a forested area spotted with hills and rocks. It is a quite untouched piece of nature in the otherwise densely populated Gampaha district. This area, historically known as Siyane Korale, has several natural rock shelters which were used by Buddhist hermits, some of them till the present day. Situated amidst this lush green scenery, one small forest temple has a spectacular balancing rock, consecrated to the Buddha by carrying a small dagoba, is very rarely visited by tourists and even unknown to most Sri Lankans. Its name is "Pethagangala", which simply translated to "rocking boulder". There are many different spellings of this toponym, for example "Pettigala", "Pettagangala", "Petthagamgala", "Petta Gam Gala" etc. Twigs are attached by pilgrims to help to keep it in balance symbolically.
Warana
Warana Rajamaha Vihara liegt im gleichnamigen Dorf. Obwohl für Touristen fast unbekannt, ist Varana ein wichtiges Kloster für buddhistische Studien und Mediationskurse, da Varana das größte Waldkloster im Westen der Insel ist. Warana ist einer der vielen Höhlentempel, die mit König Valagamba verbunden waren, der zu Beginn des 1. Jahrhunderts vor Christus im Exil lebte. Die Warana-Höhlen scheinen sogar schon früher von Eremiten bewohnt worden zu sein, obwohl die Inschriften der Spenden Namen von Mönchen enthalten, die in späteren Jahrhunderten eingeführt wurden. Die Tempelanlage von Warana ist ein angenehmer kleiner Felshügel. Höhlen gibt es auf drei verschiedenen Ebenen. Die zweite Ebene, Meda Maluwa ("mittlere Terrasse"), ist die interessanteste. Waranas größte bemalte Höhlen und eine Dagoba aus der Polonnaruwa-Zeit.
Warana Rajamaha Vihara is situated at the village of the same name. Though almost unknown to tourists, Varana is an important monastery for Buddhist studies and mediation classes, since Varana is the largest forest monastery in the western part of the island. Warana is one of the many cave temples associated with King Valagamba, who lived 14 years in exile at the beginning of the 1st century B.C.E. Indeed, the Warana caves seem to have been inhabited by forest hermits even earlier, though the donation inscriptions mention names of monks, which was a practice introduced in later centuries. The temple compound of Warana is a pleasant small rocky hill. Caves exist on three different levels, the second level called Meda Maluwa (“middle terrace”) being the most intersting one, with Warana's largest painted caves and a dagoba from the Polonnaruwa period.
Warana Rajamaha Vihara is situated at the village of the same name. Though almost unknown to tourists, Varana is an important monastery for Buddhist studies and mediation classes, since Varana is the largest forest monastery in the western part of the island. Warana is one of the many cave temples associated with King Valagamba, who lived 14 years in exile at the beginning of the 1st century B.C.E. Indeed, the Warana caves seem to have been inhabited by forest hermits even earlier, though the donation inscriptions mention names of monks, which was a practice introduced in later centuries. The temple compound of Warana is a pleasant small rocky hill. Caves exist on three different levels, the second level called Meda Maluwa (“middle terrace”) being the most intersting one, with Warana's largest painted caves and a dagoba from the Polonnaruwa period.
Maligathenna
Maligathenna ist die höchste Erhebung im Distrikt Gampaha. Einige natürliche Höhlen werden immer noch von Mönchen bewohnt. Typische uralte tropfenbesetzte Stecklinge verhinderten, dass Wasser in die bewohnten Höhlengebiete floss. Die Klosteranlage liegt etwas oberirdisch, aber weit weg von der Spitze. Die Treppen zum Gipfel überqueren den Klosterkomplex. Der Hauptfelsschutz ist ziemlich groß. In der Tat ist es eine horizontale Steinplatte, die einen weiten Raum darunter abdeckt. Dieses wurde zum Hauptgebäude des Maligathenna-Klosters. Dieser Höhlentempel soll von König Valagamba gegründet und geschmückt worden sein. Eine Person namens Hiripitiye Rala soll dem König geholfen haben, als er sich hier versteckte, aus seiner Hauptstadt Anuradhapura vertrieben. Maligatennas Hauptattraktion ist jedoch nicht kulturell, sondern natürlich. Der Weg nach oben ist landschaftlich sehr reizvoll und führt durch kleine Höhlen und Felsschluchten.
Maligathenna is the highest elevation in Gampaha District. Some natural caves are still inhabited by monks. Typical ancient drip ledged cuttings prevented water from flowing into the inhabited cave areas. The monastic complex is situated slightly above ground level but far away from the top. The stairways to the summit will cross the monastic complex. The main rock shelter is quite large. Indeed it is a horizontal slab of rock covererng a wide room below it. This became the main image house of the Maligathenna monastery. This cave temple claims to be founded and adorned by King Valagamba. A person called Hiripitiye Rala is said to have helped the king when he was hiding here, expelled from his capital Anuradhapura. Maligatenna's main attraction however is not cultural but natural. The way to the top is quite scenic, crossing small caves and rock chasms.
Maligathenna is the highest elevation in Gampaha District. Some natural caves are still inhabited by monks. Typical ancient drip ledged cuttings prevented water from flowing into the inhabited cave areas. The monastic complex is situated slightly above ground level but far away from the top. The stairways to the summit will cross the monastic complex. The main rock shelter is quite large. Indeed it is a horizontal slab of rock covererng a wide room below it. This became the main image house of the Maligathenna monastery. This cave temple claims to be founded and adorned by King Valagamba. A person called Hiripitiye Rala is said to have helped the king when he was hiding here, expelled from his capital Anuradhapura. Maligatenna's main attraction however is not cultural but natural. The way to the top is quite scenic, crossing small caves and rock chasms.
Pilikuttuwa
Obwohl Pilikuttuwa in den meisten Reiseführern nicht erwähnt wurde, ist er tatsächlich einer der größten und malerischsten und interessantesten Höhlentempel in Sri Lanka. Ein Grund dafür ist, dass einige Höhlen immer noch von zurückgezogenen Mönchen bewohnt werden. Die seltenen ausländischen Besucher, die ihren Weg nach Pilikuttuwa finden, können ein echtes Kloster in Sri Lanka erleben. Sie vermitteln einen Eindruck, wie historische Höhlen aussehen könnten, als sie in der frühen Anuradhapura-Zeit gegründet wurden. Es gibt viele Gründe, Pilikuttuwa zu besuchen. Die Lage ist ruhig und urig, ein labyrinthischer Komplex von 99 Höhlen. Bilder im Kandyan-Stil sowie viele unberührte Naturschutzgebiete finden Sie hier. Eine der ältesten Holzbrücken Sri Lankas ist eine Art Dekoration in einem Lustgarten des Klosterkomplexes im Erdgeschoss. In der Nähe des Kamms des Pilikuttuwa-Hügels befindet sich auch ein neuer kleiner Hindu-Schrein.
Though unmentioned in most guide books, Pilikuttuwa is actually one of the largest and most picturesque and most intersting cave temples in Sri Lanka. One reason for this is, that some caves are still inhabited by reclusive monks. Those rare foreign visitors who find their way to Pilikuttuwa, hence can experience a genuine Sri Lankan monastery, giving an impression how historical caves may have looked like, when they were founded in the early Anuradhapura period. There are many more reasons to visit Pilikuttuwa. The location is tranquil and quaint, a labyrinthic complex of 99 caves. Kandyan style paintings can be found as well as many untouched natural rock shelters. One of Sri Lanka's oldest wooden bridges is a kind of decoration in a pleasure garden of the monastic complex on ground level. A new small Hindu shrine can be found , too, close to the crest of the Pilikuttuwa hill.
Though unmentioned in most guide books, Pilikuttuwa is actually one of the largest and most picturesque and most intersting cave temples in Sri Lanka. One reason for this is, that some caves are still inhabited by reclusive monks. Those rare foreign visitors who find their way to Pilikuttuwa, hence can experience a genuine Sri Lankan monastery, giving an impression how historical caves may have looked like, when they were founded in the early Anuradhapura period. There are many more reasons to visit Pilikuttuwa. The location is tranquil and quaint, a labyrinthic complex of 99 caves. Kandyan style paintings can be found as well as many untouched natural rock shelters. One of Sri Lanka's oldest wooden bridges is a kind of decoration in a pleasure garden of the monastic complex on ground level. A new small Hindu shrine can be found , too, close to the crest of the Pilikuttuwa hill.
