Kudumbigala Monastery, Ancient Buddhist monastery in Ampara District, Sri Lanka.
Kudumbigala Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the Ampara District consisting of several caves scattered across jungle terrain. Monks continue to live and practice in these natural rock chambers in basic conditions suited to their spiritual life.
A kingdom established this monastery in the 3rd century BC as a retreat for monks seeking a life removed from urban centers. The site continued to function as a meditation center and was maintained through many centuries.
The inscriptions in Brahmi script within the Maha Sudharshana Lena cave reveal connections to a warrior from an ancient royal period. Visitors can still observe these carved marks on the rock walls and understand how the site has served as a spiritual center.
The monastery sits deep in jungle territory and requires hiking over rough paths with care on slippery rock surfaces. The best time to visit is during drier months when the trails become easier to navigate and safer.
The site features an unusual cylindrical stupa, a structure that differs from the more pointed forms typically seen in the region. This rare architectural approach makes the monastery stand out from other Buddhist sites.
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