Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya

A hidden beauty that sits atop of a rock near the town of Medawachchiya towards Anuradhapura, this elegant little stupa is part of a complex created by King Devanampiyatissa during his reign in 250-210 BC soon after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.

Highlights

  • Isinbassagala is translated as ‘the rock that the sage came from’ hence it is a significant place for Buddhists
  • This temple complex was built after Buddhism was introduced to the country
  • It was rebuilt after some excavation findings of some ancient relics that give evidence of Buddha’s visit
  • It has a white carving of a dragon at the entrance and houses a golden Buddha statue
  • Devotees and pilgrims visit this temple to pay offerings and seek blessings

Overview

Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya is located along the A9 road (Kandy-Jaffna highway.), This little stupa is part of a complex that was built by King Devanampiyatissa during his reign in 250-210 BC. It was built after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka and although it is not the original structure, it was re created in the early 20th century after excavations had unearthed an ancient Naga Gala (Snake Stone) and a footprint of Lord Buddha known as Sri Pathul Gala. The discovered Naga stone gives evidence of a Naga tribal community/identity that had existed during the pre-Buddhist period of ancient Lanka. The Sri Pathul Gala is a relic of the past giving a clue that Lord Buddha did descend upon Lanka.

A carving of a white dragon sits at the entrance of the rock and a short ascend up the steps reveal a golden Buddha statue and of King Devanampiyatissa which stands near the balustrades. As you reach the top of the plateau, you would see the main temple as of Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya, where devotees or pilgrims visit to seek blessings or give offerings. This complex holds a cave room on the side and gives gorgeous panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings.

This cave room has an ancient statue referred to as Arahath Guhawa, this reflects the legendary belief that Arahath along with several other Buddhist monks had arrived first to this historical region before reaching Mihintale; hence the translation of Isinbassagala as ‘the rock that the sage came from.’ The word “isi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “rishi” (The Sage). It is believed that is here that Lord Buddha had delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.