Walk through fields and farms to experience Sri Lanka's village lifestyle
There are so many myths about the use of the name Pilikuththuwa. It is said that this was the place where King Walagamba concealed and organized his army in this hill area. So this village has popularized to supply royal clothes to the king. In Sinhala, ‘Pili’ means ‘Clothes’, ‘Kotuwa’ means boundary of place So it was become the name of ‘Pilikotuwa’. Hence it became ‘Pilikoththuwa’ and later Pilikuththuwa. There is a rumor that this is also the place where the Queen of King Walagamba’s clothes and jewellery were saved. This folklore also exists around the names of the surrounding villages such as Buthpitiya and Maligathenna. But Archaeological evidences of these are almost non-existent.
From the archeological evidence, it is believed that this area has been inhabited since pre-historic times. Caves with drip ledges prove that the monastery may have been used during the periods of 2 – 3 century BC by the monks as their abodes. Uruwala, Maligathenna, Warana, Miriswatta and Koskandawala cave temples situated in the vicinity of the Pilikuththuwa temple are said to have been formed from one major temple complex in the Early Anuradhapura period.
According to the legends connected with this monastery, King Walagamba (89 – 77 BC) used to stay in this historical place from time to time during the invasion from South India to Sri Lanka. In this condition, King Walagamba organized an army in . So the Pilikuththuwa Cave temple was the site of a special reign during the reign of King Walagamba. But all of these are forklores about Pilikuththuwa. But archeological evidence of them has not yet been found.
Archaeologists are still struggling to gather enough evidence before reaching the final conclusions about the nature of the site. They have found very important factors about Pilikuththuwa monastery afterwards excavation in 1995. This is because there are several cave inscriptions of Early-Brahmi script here. Then Stone tools and Animal bones which belong to Pre-historic period have been found in southern cave call ‘Dakini Lena’. As well as, red coloured clay pots and corals, that belongs to early centuries have been found in a cave call Thoppigala recently. They are the best archaeological evidences which could to found. Thus, the caves in this area date back to the time of the pre historic human beings. Some writer has also suggested that Pilikuththuwa monastery was a temporary used by monks during the rainy period call Vas period according to Buddhist culture.
Archaeologists are still struggling to gather enough evidence before reaching the final conclusions about the nature of the site. They have found very important factors about Pilikuththuwa monastery afterwards excavation in 1995. This is because there are several cave inscriptions of Early-Brahmi script here. Then Stone tools and Animal bones which belong to Pre-historic period have been found in southern cave call ‘Dakini Lena’. As well as, red coloured clay pots and corals, that belongs to early centuries have been found in a cave call Thoppigala recently. Four caves are unique as well as they are special. Because of early-Brahmi scripts which were found in caves. Some writer has also suggested that Pilikuththuwa monastery was a temporary used by monks during the rainy period call Vas period according to Buddhist culture.
It means fascinating. Since these names are still commonly used to refer to houses, it is possible that this was the name used to describe the cave at the time.
Agatha Anagatha Chathudisha Sagasha’ It means the donation of Aggibhuti who was the brother of the cavalry chief. These donations were made to the monks coming and not coming from the four directions.
This is also a named cave. This too has a history dating back to prehistoric times, when excavated animal bones, pottery, beads, and coins were identified
It means, this cave was donated by the Chief Purana’s son Datta and Swami’s Mitta. It is an old habit for naming something which is donated by someone.
Pilikuththu is home to the majority of the caves that were used to construct monastic structures for monks. These include the caves at the Shrine House, Pagoda, Devala, Pohoya, Dutch Hermitage, Hermitage Houses in the Kandy Period, etc. The distinctive cave temple at Pilikuththuwa demonstrates a number of aspects of the technology used at the time to construct temples. those recognized as being constructed in Sri Lanka during the post-Kandy era. The constructed Buddhist cave adds a sophisticated cultural element to this hallowed location. The shrine house features a door facade and multiple cement steps in its construction. The aisle where the Jataka stories—stories that are emerging in Buddhist culture—were painted comes next. As we get to that aisle, people can see us.
The old pond at the way to the temple is also filled with spring water which is flowing from the Hill mountains to the tank that named Abhaya, through a wooden bridge tunnel. This tank is located at the right end of the temple. It is said that this was done by King Walagamba for the needs of the monks. The Ancient preaching hall can be seen at the entrance to the Pilikuththu temple which was built during the Kandian period. Its pillars and floor have been finished by stones. There are eight entrances to this hall which has three terraces, has eight uncut carved moonstones. Wooden carved planks are created between the columns. Very nice carved valance board can be seen around the hall.
The Dutch hermitage is located in the lower part of the present residential house. Its columns show the features of Dutch or post-Kandyan period. Several hermitage caves are situated in this area. They were built in Kandyan period, while we are walking to them we can be seen a special wooden bridge over a water tunnel. This wooden bridge seems to be made of wild bread tree. This bridge has two handrails and it is covered with a roof which is somewhat similar to the Badulla Bolgoda Bridge in Sri Lanka. In the cave, an ancient palanquin is parked. By means of this palanquin, Ven. Hikkaduwe Sumangala thero has arrived at this temple. This artwork, which portrays Sri Lankan transportation during that era, was created by a prominent Buddhist monk in the 19th century.Beyond the realm of mythology and folklore, our bodies and minds are healed by the beauty of nature. Seeing such a rugged forest close to the nation's capital is a relief.The enormous pus leaf, which has been around for more than 500 years, is another unusual natural feature. The largest and oldest pus leaf in Sri Lanka is this enormous one. Between the rocks, in the caverns, and on top of the trees, this pus leaf is climbing. This oasis is this puswela.
After passing a number of rock caves in the footpath running through the forest, you reach the land where Diggala is located. A little further up, the main rock plateau called Balumgala(Observation rock) is a popular tourist destination. This is also considered as a place used for spying during the royal period. When you enter Belumgala you can see the city of Gampaha on the left, Maligathenna sacred area on the right and Koskadawala RajamahaViharaya on the north. This is a rocky plateau that looks like it connects many Gampaha heritages.
In addition, the Pilikuththu monastery offers a setting rich in priceless regional remedies. There are plants such as moonflowers, Pilikuththu mango, Akkapana, and HeenBowitiya on both sides of the access road.A collection of naturally occurring rock caverns, formerly utilized by monks for refuge and meditation, can be found on the hillsides surrounding Pilikuththuwa Monastery. Currently, very few monks are using this location for meditation.However, it is also apparent from the far-off rubber and pineapple plantations that this forest is gradually becoming populated. People have been unintentionally convinced to construct resorts on a rocky outcrop, and settlements have gradually spread into these agricultural lands. This demonstrates emphatically that even the Arahant ruins that grew Nourished by various legends and endowed with some of the most valuable archaeological evidence, we can assume that this abominable backyard is still a haven for the spiritual journey of the monks. The caves where the monks still meditate in the forest reserve are a prime example. Seldom does the historically and geographically noteworthy Pilikuththuwa Cave Complex draw the attention of travelers to Sri Lanka. Additionally, Arahants who led spiritual lives, like Mihintale, Rajagala, and Pidurangala, resided in this group of caves. As a result, your visit here will be beneficial for both your academic research and spiritual purity.One notable example of a recent tourist destination is the Pilikuttuwa Cave Temple. Thus, you are welcome to accompany me and enjoy this unique tour of the ancient cave monastery. Although Pilikuththuwa isn't included in most guidebooks, it's one of Sri Lanka's biggest, most interesting, and scenic cave temples. The infrequent foreign guests who manage to make it to Pilikuththuwa thus have the opportunity to witness a true Sri Lankan monastery, expressing how ancient caves