Pidurangala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Place Categories: Historical Places Religious PlacesPlace Tags: Ancient Sri Lanka Photography Sri Lanka Travel Travel

Pidurangala Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the Matale District of Central Province, Sri Lanka. The monastery was built by the King Kashyapa (473-495 CE) to relocate monks who were residing in Sigiriya rock before the construction of the fortress.  Also, it is believed that this monastery has been served as the royal monastery during the reign of King Kashyapa.

Pidurangala is a massive rock similar to Sigiriya, said to be just four feet short of the height of Sigiriya. From certain places at a distance, one can see the view of both Sigiriya and Pidurangala. Surrounding the Pidurangala temple, lie many ruined dagobas and monuments. The entry point to the top of Pidurangala is along the stone steps through the temple. It is a one-km drive from the Sigiriya entrance, through the Pidurangala Sanctuary.

The Pidurangala is also popular among both local and foreign tourists due to the stunning view of the Sigiriya rock. Many tourists climb the Pidurangala rock summit to experience this amazing view and take photographs.

Sigiriya View from Pidurangala (3)

View of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Pidurangala Rock Summit

Pidurangala Rock from Sigiriya

View of Pidurangala Rock from Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Click here to find a list of accommodations around Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

External Links

  1. අධ්‍යාත්මයේ කැඩපත පිදුරංගල රජ මහා විහාරයයි – බුදුසරණ
  2. ‘Discover Sri Lanka’ – Ritgala and Pidurangala – The Island
  3. Pidurangala: In the midst of serenity
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