SITULPAWWA MONASTERY
Situlpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Hambantota District, South Eastern Sri Lanka. This temple dates back to the 2nd century B.C. and located deep within the heart of Yala national park. It is believed to have been built by king Kavantissa. The name Situlpawwa is derived from the word "Chiththala Pabbatha", which means the hill of the quiet mind due to its calm spiritual vibe.
The monastery complex holds a cave with paintings over 2000 years old and a temple atop a resident rock that rises above the surrounding wilderness. Situlpawwa rock temple has a stunning setting. This rock temple was a place of worship for devotees as well as a centre of Buddhist scholars. It is believed that in ancient times this rock temple once housed a total of 12,000 monks who achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism. According to folklore it is said that a novice monk called Tissa who has reached the state of Arahath lived here and later a stupa was built encasing his remains thus this also has been known as Tissa Thera Chetiya.
Situlpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya contains large number of stupas, cave temples, Buddha statues a stupa house and image houses spread among a large land area. Among these there is a cave temple with ancient paintings thought to be belonging to the 3rd century BC. These drawings have been done on a thin layer of plaster on the rock surface and primarily used red – yellow colours. The rock temple is famous for its early Brahmi script, ruins of the preaching house.
Frequent leopards; elephants and chatters of birds will give you a gently reminder that you are walking in the wild.
You are also welcomed to meditate here for a while and sooth your mind.
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