Cave Temple

Detailed description about Cave Temple-Dambulla.

🕍 Dambulla Cave Temple (Rangiri Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya)

📍 Location

  • Dambulla, Central Province, Sri Lanka

  • About 148 km from Colombo and 72 km from Kandy

  • Located on a massive rock outcrop that rises 160 meters above the surrounding plains, offering panoramic views

🛕 Overview and Significance

  • Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1991)

  • The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka

  • Continuous worship and monastic activity for over 2,000 years

  • Houses Buddhist mural paintings, sculptures, and sacred relics in its caves

🧱 Historical Background

  • First established in the 1st century BCE by King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya) of Anuradhapura

  • When exiled from the throne by South Indian invaders, the king took refuge in these caves for 14 years

  • Upon regaining the throne, he converted the caves into a Buddhist temple in gratitude

🪨 The Cave Complex – Key Features

The temple complex includes five main caves, carved into the southern face of a massive granite rock.

  1. Devaraja Lena (Cave of the Divine King)  

  • Contains a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha statue carved from rock

  • Also features figures of Ananda (Buddha’s disciple) and Vishnu, who is believed to have protected the site

  2. Maharaja Lena (Cave of the Great Kings)

  • The largest cave, richly adorned with paintings and statues

  • Contains:

    • 16 seated and 40 standing Buddha statues

    • Statues of King Valagamba and King Nissanka Malla

    • A natural spring dripping water from the rock ceiling—considered sacred

  3. Maha Alut Vihara (Great New Monastery)

  • Constructed in the 18th century under Kandyan kings

  • Features Kandyan-style murals and a massive seated Buddha statue

  • Interior entirely covered in vibrant wall and ceiling paintings

  4. Pachima Viharaya (Western Temple)

  • Contains another seated Buddha statue under a Makara Torana (dragon arch)

  • Has a serene and reflective atmosphere with less decoration

  5. Devana Alut Viharaya (Second New Temple)

  • Contains standing and seated Buddha statues

  • Home to some lesser-known but beautiful frescoes

🎨 Murals and Art

  • Over 2,100 square meters of Buddhist mural paintings

  • Depict:

    • Life of the Buddha

    • Jataka tales (previous lives of Buddha)

    • Important events in Sri Lankan Buddhist history

    • Scenes of celestial beings, lotus motifs, and mythical creatures

🛤️ Access and Experience

  • Visitors must climb a series of stone steps (about 364 steps) to reach the temple

  • The walk is scenic, with views of Sigiriya Rock, forests, and villages

  • Monkeys, birds, and occasional wild peacocks are commonly seen along the way

🧘‍♂️ Spiritual and Cultural Importance

  • Still an active place of worship and pilgrimage

  • Hosts Buddhist rituals, meditation retreats, and Poya Day ceremonies

  • Symbol of Sri Lanka’s resilience, devotion, and cultural continuity

🧭 Visiting Tips

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission around 6 PM)

  • Dress Code: Modest attire (cover shoulders and knees); remove hats and shoes before entering

  • Photography: Allowed, but flash is often prohibited inside caves

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds

📸 Fun Facts

  • The rock above the cave is around 600 feet high

  • The entire complex is carved into a single rock mass

  • The temple’s modern golden stupa at the base (added in recent decades) is also popular among visitors.