The Mulkirigala rock monastery sits on the cliffs of a 600-foot-high rock, surrounded by jungle and watched by families of monkeys. The series of caves and structures have played an important role in Buddhism and Sri Lanka's history.

The origins of the temple are unclear. However, local legend says that King Saddhatissa was hunting near the rock when a villager told him about an impressive rock that would be suitable for a large temple. So the king agreed and built the temple in the 3rd century and named it Mu Kivu Gala. It was later known as Mulkirigala.

The history of Mulkirigala Rock Monastery dates back over 2,000 years to King Kawantissa, a famous ruler of the Ruhuna Kingdom. King Kawantissa is said to have recognized the spiritual significance of the rock and initiated the construction of the first cave temple. Over the centuries, various kings including King Devanampiyatissa, King Dutugemunu and King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe contributed to the development and preservation of the temple.

Source: srilankatravelpages.com/de/auflistung/felsenkloster-mulkirigala

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 90 m

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Location: Sri Lanka

Mulkirigala Rock Temple

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