Asgiriya Buddhist Temple Gampaha

Asgiriya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Cave temple is located on top of a hillock on the Gampaha – Minuwangoda road and approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) away from Gampaha town in Sri Lanka. Which has been formally recognized by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The name of Asgiriis believed to be formed after the horse of Prince Uttiya, the brother of King Kelanitissa, who was lost in this area. As means horse and giri means rock, which adds up to horse rock.

The history of the temple goes back to the reign of King Valagamba (89-77 BC) and legends state that King Valagamba stayed in this historical place from time to time while he was fleeing from Anuradhapura after invasions from South India in 104 BC. Asgiriya Rajamaha Vihara had received the patronage by provincial king Sakalakala Wallabha during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI.

Asgiriya is a cave temple with drip ledges that has been constructed with wattle and daub. A wooden flight of stairs gives access to the image house which consists of a Samadhi Buddha statue with features of art in the Kandyan period, images of Buddha in Abaya mudra on either side and a canopy of the cave decorated with lotus flowers and various other flower designs. The upper ground surface of the rock consists of a ‘Sannasa ‘(Deed of grant) with the picture of a horse on it, a pond made on the rock with the Stupa situated adjacent to it and a stone with foot print of Buddha on topmost portion of the rock. On the other side of the rock surface, a big cave with drip ledges can be seen.

The main ancient temple lies at the top of the Asgiriya hill and has been used as a forest hermitage in the ancient times. The temple is also known for a secret tunnel on the hill which can be reached by taking the steps to the upper temple and turning right half way which leads to a wide rock cave with a drip ledge. The entrance to cave is now carved in cannot be accessed. It is believed that there is a vast treasure hidden inside the tunnel and some believe that this tunnel was a secret route to Pilikuththuwa Temple which lies about 08 km away.