The Kabella Lena Cave Temple is located on the Kurunagala – Puttalum road, closer to Wariyapola town than the other cave temples in the area. If you are traveling through Kurunagala town, there is a sign board directing you to the turnoff around 300 meters before passing through the Wariyapola junction, which you should follow. Afterwards, take a right and, immediately after passing through the 3km marker, you will come across the temple.
When it comes to the history of this temple, it was constructed during the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya, also known as King Walagamba. The cave temple is located in the midst of the Wallagala rocky mountain range, and it is dedicated to Shiva. To reach the cave temple, the tourists must ascend a steep path cut into the rock that leads to the top of the mountain. This cave temple on the Wallagala rocky mountain is one of the most well-known attractions on the mountain.
Following the ascent of the Wallagala rock, the first thing that can be seen is a stunning natural pool, which, unfortunately, is not being adequately maintained nowadays. In addition, there is a primary viharageya, or image house, which is said to be home to one of Sri Lanka’s greatest reclining Buddha statues, which is said to be the largest in the country. Unfortunately, the door was locked, and the priest was not in attendance. Old frescoes on the inner walls, as well as the massive statues of Yaksha and Deva, are among the most beautiful features of the temple. It should be emphasized that visitors are not authorized to photograph any of the antique frescoes in the picture house, which is particularly unfortunate.
The cave temple is located in the midst of the Wallagala rocky mountain range. It was constructed during the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya. There is a primary viharageya, which is said to be home to one of Sri Lanka’s greatest reclining Buddha statues.
According to legend, this site was one of the caves where King Walagamba sought refuge from his enemies and later erected a shire room as a gesture of gratitude.
Additionally, the large rocky ledge included the Bodhi Tree, which was clad in lime green with its seasonal fresh leaves, as well as a pillared and tiled open hall, which had been constructed relatively recently for the convenience of the pilgrims, among other things. At a higher elevation of the rock, visitors may observe a one-of-a-kind collection of sculptures that pass by the Image House and the Bo Tree. Eight statues have been sculpted in a natural cave to depict the King Devanampiyathissa meeting the Great Mahinda Thero around 250 BC. The figures were created using natural materials. These sculptures appear to have been created recently.
Also, make your way to the brink of the cliff; the view is amazing, and the entire plane is covered with coconut trees, with a breathtaking mountain range at the far end of the plane.
Continue walking for a little distance and you will come to one of the temple’s most popular attractions, the Suniyam Devale, which is what draws the majority of visitors to this location. The deity Suniyam is revered as a powerful deity who is capable of casting curses on anyone who oppose him. On specific days of the week, “Kapurala,” the custodian of the Devale, will perform soothsaying rituals.
The Suniyam Devale is one of the most popular attractions at this temple. The entire plane is covered in coconut trees, with a breathtaking mountain range at the far end. On specific days of the week, “Kapurala,” the custodian of the Devale performs soothsaying rituals.
Image Credits: amazinglanka.com
WHERE TO STAY
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