Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and culturally significant landmarks. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Sigiriya rock, a 200m column of rock which was converted into a palace and a fortress by King Kashyapa during the 5th Century AD. Among the many hotels Sigiriya, one which offers tranquil accommodation and warm hospitality is Hotel Sigiriya.
The Sigiriya complex is vast and spreads over many acres, encompassing an array of historic structures and landmarks. One of these structures, which is most often deemed as ‘forgotten’, is the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya. This ancient monastery dates back to the era of King Kashyapa himself, who is said to have built the monastery to accommodate the monks who resided around Sigiriya rock when he was planning on converting it into a fortress. The monastery is a trove of archeological and historic relics and structures which speak volumes of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
Located roughly around one mile away from the Sigiriya rock, the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya was home to over 500 Buddhist monks during the time of King Kashyapa. During the peak of its time, this monastery was home to the traditional five ritual buildings; the Image House, the Chapter House, the Cheitya, the Bo Tree, and the Sangaramaya. While the Pidurangala Viharaya was the grand royal monastery back in ancient times, today much of the monastery is abandoned and in a derelict condition. Yet faint glimmers of its past are still visible to any visitor of Pidurangala. Visitors can enter the two rock caves of the monastery which house several ancient and intricately carved statues of the Buddha, as well as a 48ft long reclining Buddha statue made of clay and brick (the largest of its kind in the world), or head over the small hill which is the site of a plundered cheitya and also believed to the site of cremation of King Kashyapa.
There are many other fascinating features and legends about Pidurangala, making it a must-visit landmark.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
