Pidurangala Vihara
Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pidurangala Vihara (Sinhala: පිදුරංගල විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated on Pidurangala Rock in Matale District, Sri Lanka. The rock is located about 1 km north of the more visited Sigiriya rock.[1]
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| Pidurangala Vihara | |
|---|---|
පිදුරංගල විහාරය | |
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Matale |
| Province | Central Province |
| Location | |
| Location | Pidurangala, Sri Lanka |
  Shown within Sri Lanka | |
| Coordinates | 07°57′57.0″N 80°45′44.7″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Buddhist temple |
| Website | |
| www | |
Etymology
History
It is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara goes back beyond to the first century and second century BC.[3] From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery but became a prominent place during the reign of King Kashyapa (473–495 AC).
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According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa had killed his father King Dhatusena and fled to Sigiriya to find out a more secure place to prevent retaliation attacks from his half-brother, Mugalan. With the arrival of King Kashyapa, the Bhikkus who were meditated there were requested move to the nearby Pidurangala.[4] In a sort of compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a prominent place.[3]
The temple
The temple was said to be panchavasa, consisting of five main ritual buildings. Among the buildings are Ancient Stupa, Chapter House, Image House, Bodhighara, Preaching hall, Sangharama (Bikku Residence Building) and inscriptions with drip-ledged caves can be seen.[5]
