Preloader
Loading Image
Website Header sticky
Instagram Youtube Tiktok Twitter Linkedin

Maligathanna Rajamaha Viharaya

Western Province Tourism
Maligathanna Rajamaha Viharaya

Maligatenna Raja Maha Viharaya Simply Called Maligathenne, is an ancient cave temple located in the Malwatuhiripitiya village, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Maligatenna is situated on the highest hill in the Gampaha District, offering 360-degree panoramic views. The rocky hill is crowned by a dagaba (stupa), making it an ancient monastery. The temple dates back to the time of Mihudu Thera and has been a center of Buddhism for millenniums. It is renowned for its association with King Walagamba, who sought refuge here while escaping from Indian Chola invaders. Drip ledges were cut into the rock surface to make the caves habitable, and many of these ancient ledges can still be seen at great heights above the temple. The largest cave serves as the main meditation center. King Walagamba expressed gratitude by ordering an 18-ft. reclining Buddha statue to be placed here. The cave also features mural paintings depicting Jataka stories. Outside the cave, there's a skeleton hung up, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. This serves as a philosophical reminder for meditation and reflection.

Add a Review Book Nearby Hotel
No images found for this tour.
No reviews found.

Related Destinations

Western Province Tourism
Pahanthuda Water Fall

One of the most active and attractive waterfall in Sri Lanka is Pahanthuda Ella which has a continuous rich source of water. It is rather small waterfall compered with other waterfalls yet hence more water and a relatively a large pond of its own. The name was given due to the shape of waterfall and a way cascades, which looked like a lighten lamp where the small flame is what compered to the water flow due to the rural and hard accessibility and the literal forest reserve near by, the Ruhukanda forest, the accessibility is limited and unpopular with relatively large bio diversity supporting the eco - system. The waterfalls lays in the land of Handugalla.

Western Province Tourism
Karagampitiya Rajamaha Viharaya

description not found

Western Province Tourism
The Natural Cave At Maligatann

Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Cave temple which is located in Malwatuhiripitiya village. The temple is located on the Gampaha - Wathurugama Road and approximately 1.6 km (0.99 mi) away from the ancient temple Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara. The history of Maligathenna Raja Maha Vihara is believed to be goes back to the time period of Anuradhapura Kingdom. According to Brahmi cave inscriptions found in Warana Raja Maha Vihara and Pilikutthuwa Raja Maha Vihara, those are temples located near to Maligatenna, it can be assumed that this vihara may also have been on abode of Buddhist monks