Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, Buddhist monastery in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya stretches across a hilltop complex featuring ancient stupas, Buddha statues, and detailed rock carvings in the natural surroundings.
The monastery, established in the 2nd century BCE by King Kavantissa, functioned as a residence for thousands of Buddhist monks and a center of religious education.
The monastery houses numerous caves with pre-Christian era rock inscriptions that demonstrate the evolution of early Buddhist practices in southern Sri Lanka.
Visitors can reach the temple by following an 18-mile route along the Tissamaharama-Yodhakandiya road, which leads toward Yala National Park.
The temple's name originates from Chiththala Pabbatha, meaning hill of the quiet mind, reflecting its historical role as a meditation sanctuary.
Location: Southern Province
GPS coordinates: 6.38694,81.44972
Latest update: March 3, 2025 01:45
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