Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara
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| Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara | |
|---|---|
පිළිකුත්තුව රජ මහා විහාරය | |
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Gampaha |
| Province | Western Province |
| Location | |
| Location | Pilikuththuwa, Sri Lanka |
 Interactive map of Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara | |
| Coordinates | 07°03′50.2″N 80°03′01.1″E / 7.063944°N 80.050306°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Buddhist Temple |
| Style | Cave temple |
Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhalaː පිළිකුත්තුව රජ මහා විහාරය ) is an ancient Cave temple situated in Pilikuththuwa, Sri Lanka. It is located on the Gampaha - Wathurugama road approximately 3.8 km (2.4 mi) away from the Miriswatta junction and 1.6 km (0.99 mi) from the ancient Buddhist temple, Maligatenna Raja Maha Vihara. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.[1]
From the archaeological evidence, it is believed that this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Caves with drip ledges prove that the temple may have been used during the 2-3 century BC by the Sangha as their abodes.[2] According to the legends connected with this temple, king Valagamba (89-77 BC) used to stay in this historical place from time to time during the invasion from South India.
Uruwala, Maligatenna, Warana, Miriswatta and Koskandawala cave temples, situated in the vicinity of the Pilikuththuwa temple are said to have been formed from one major temple complex in the early Anuradhapura period.[3]
