Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara is an old Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka’s Mulkirigala village that is revered by locals and foreigners. The temple has been built on a natural rock that is 205 metres in length and is surrounded by four other rocks. These rocks are called Seelawathiegala, Kondagala, Benagala, and Bisogala. Also famously called the rock temples, the complex is known to have several caves that are divided into five levels. You can find some interesting Buddha statues inside these caves. It is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those who love the serenity that temples offer. From the paintings to the manuscripts, the temple has fascinating stories to tell.
About Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
The temple is also known as Muhudungiri, Dakkhina, Muvathitigala, and Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara and is a preserved monument in Sri Lanka. It is situated in Mulkirigala village which is close to Tangalle town. The temple complex has seven cave-like temples which contain Buddha statues of various types and the compound is hidden behind lush green coconut tree forests. You will find a range of interesting paintings, murals, inscriptions, and more in the temples. To reach the temples, you need to climb about 500 stone-cut steps which are not that difficult as children can easily climb. The temple has a dagoba which provides excellent views of the surroundings.
It is believed that the temple was built by King Saddhatissa during the 3rd century BC. As successive kings ruled the region later, they made improvements and added more elements to the complex. For instance, King Datusena added a stupa to the complex around 461 to 479 AD. King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe made further improvements to the temples in the 18th century. In this way, many people are attributed to having built the temple complex over the years. The temple has become a landmark of Buddhist architecture in Sri Lanka today and people from all over the island country and abroad come to visit its serenity and calm vibes.
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Architecture Of Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara consists of five cave temples in the Royal Temple complex, the Siyambalamuluwa, the Upper Temple complex, the Bomaluwa, and the Lower Temple complex. You can find a range of paintings and sculptures in each temple that are from the Kandyan Era. Among others, they depict the life of Gautama Buddha and stories from Jataka. Here is a breakdown of the several parts of the temple and what they contain.
Royal Temple complex: It consists of the Naga temple, Piriniwan Manchakaya, pond, the new temple, Diyagoda Etha temple, Royal Great temple, and a lamp post. It also consists of a rock inscription dating back to the 12th century, when the temple was called Muhundgiri Temple.
Siyambalamuluwa: This is the area in the Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara that has a museum, a rest house, and a lower temple.
Upper Temple complex: It contains the bell tower, stupa, attendant bo tree, Garandi Kapolla, Dethispala bo tree, and a pond. You can see the valley from here very clearly. Buddhists believe that the Dethispala bo tree has grown from a seed of the Jaya Sri Great Bo tree.
Bomaluwa: The Bo tree terrace, Vesak hall complex, the Viharagal rock inscription, and the Majjhima Nikaya cave are all in this area. The inscription is about 1400 years old.
Lower Temple complex: This area of the complex has the biggest image of Buddha in the entire compound. It also has tombs, a monastery, Paduma Rahath Vihara, a Royal Temple, and Seemamalakaya. The cave temple has a pagoda inside it.
Best Time To Visit
The Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara is a destination that you can visit year-round. But if you are thinking of visiting Tangalle the best time is from November to April as you can participate in a wide range of beach activities. At this time, the climate is pleasant and you can easily climb the stairs of the temple too. It will also make your stay comfortable, enabling you to visit many places at once instead of just a few here and there. The temple falls on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka, and it is best to avoid coming here during the monsoon season when the steps can get slippery, and road blockages are common.
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How To Reach Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
You can easily reach Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara from Tangalle and Dikwella towns. You can catch a bus from Tangalle via Wiraketiya as this is faster compared to the Beliatta bus route. The other option is to reach by tuk-tuk. You can also hire a car or go by your vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler) as the temple is straightforward to reach. You need to climb around 500 steps to reach the temple complex so be prepared for some walking! The views from the top are spectacular.
Tips
- Children can climb the steps as they are not so steep but you cannot take a pram because of the steps.
- The temple is not wheelchair accessible due to the many steps required to reach the area.
- As this is a temple complex, you should wear appropriate clothes. Women should cover their knees and shoulders when visiting the temple complex.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple complex, as this is a must in all Buddhist temples.
- Wear socks when you come to the temple, as the rocks can heat up quite quickly, especially as the day goes by.
- Get a guide in advance to understand the significance and meaning behind the temples, the many murals, etc.
- There are many monkeys in the temple complex who are usually minding their business. Avoid feeding them.
- Take a bottle of water with you as you must stay hydrated, especially if visiting the temple during the summer months.
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The Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara is a marvel and must be added to your trip to Sri Lanka . The various Buddha statues in the complex will captivate you and the various paintings and murals will keep you glued. You will find non-religious paintings in the cave temples, too, which make it more intriguing. Come to this temple with your loved ones to experience a temple among the rocks worth visiting when you come to Tangalle!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Who built the temple?
The temple was first built by King Saddhatissa in the 3rd century and subsequent additions were made by the kings who ruled after him.
What are the timings of the temples?
The temple complex is always open to tourists but it is best to go there anytime from morning to evening to be safe.
How much time is required at the temple complex?
You may need anywhere between an hour and a half to two hours to fully witness every nook and corner of the temple and to appreciate its grandeur.
How many steps to climb to reach the temple?
There are around 500 steps you need to climb to reach the complex. While it may seem difficult at first, the lush surroundings will encourage you to go on.
Is the Buddhist temple crowded?
The best part about the temple is that it is never crowded. The peak time is around 9:30 am to 10:30 am and you will find more tourists during the weekends and holidays.
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