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Asgiri rajamaha viharaya

Western Province Tourism
Asgiri rajamaha viharaya

Asgiriya Raja Maha Vihara (අස්ගිරිය රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient cave temple situated in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The temple is located on top of a hillock along the Gampaha - Minuwangoda road, just away from Gampaha town. It has been formally recognized by the government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. Asgiriya's name is said to have originated after the loss of Prince Uttiya's horse (brother of King Kelanitissa) in this area. Its history is believed to date back to the reign of King Valagamba (89-77 BC). King Valagamba, who fled from Anuradhapura after invasions from South India, sought refuge in this historical place. The cave temple, constructed with wattle and daub, features drip ledges. Inside the image house, there's a Samadhi Buddha statue from the Kandyan period. The canopy of the cave is adorned with lotus flowers and other floral designs. A footprint of Buddha is etched into the rock surface, and a stupa stands nearby.

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