Pettagangala - Sri Lanka's spectacular sacred balancing rock
Pettagangala, rarely visited by tourists, is one of the most spectacular logans of the island at this temple not far from Varana. It is part of the cluster of ancient monasteries known as Siyane Korales, located the the south and west of Yakkala, which is at the Colombo-Kandy main road (A1).
In contrast to the so-called Ugalgalas of Hatthikucchi and Wilandagoda, the balancing rock of Pettagangala is a small temple. Due to the stunning setting and the small stupa on top of the rock, the logan of Pettagangala resembles that of the famous “Golden Rock” of Kyaiktiya in Myanmar. Strangely enough, the similarly breath-taking balancing rock of Sri lanka is not mentioned in pocket guides. Similar to Burma’s Golden Rock, the balancing rock of Pettagangala touches the ground at only very few and small spots. Situated at a slope, it seems to be miracle that it doesn’t slide. However, like many other logans in Sri Lanka, it is supported by small sticks brought by pilgrims. Symbolically reventing a logan from slipping off is a meritourious deed.
There are many different spellings of this this forest monastery (Aranya Senasanaya) and its balancing rock, such as “Petthagangala”, “Pethagangala”, “Pettagan Gala”, “Petta Gam Gala” or also “Pettagankanda” or “Petta Gam Kanda”. The namegiving logan of the site is also called “Petti Gala” or “Petthigala”. This means “balancing rock”. The term “Pettagam” (pronounced) “Pettagang” however could refer not to the spectacular location but to the shape of the logan. The term resembles a Sinhala word for a commode or chest.
Deeper caves inhabited by bats are situated at the steep slope below the balancing rock. It’s not without risks to climb down to them, as there is no clear path downwards. These are caves and not simply abris or rock shelters. The cave rooms widens after about ten meters.
Pettagangala is one of the many cave temples in the vicinity of the highlands that claims to have been a hideout of the famous King Walagamba, known as Vatthagamani Abhaya fro the chronicles, who had to flee from Anuradhapura due to a Tamil invasion.
The beauty of the rock below Pettagangala and sometimes the silence too is badly effected by a quarry.
Pettagangala is one of the many cave temples in the vicinity of the highlands that claims to have been a hideout of the famous King Walagamba, known as Vatthagamani Abhaya fro the chronicles, who had to flee from Anuradhapura due to a Tamil invasion.
The beauty of the rock below Pettagangala and sometimes the silence too is badly effected by a quarry.
