Aluvihare Rock Temple

The Aluvihare Rock Temple, also known by the name Matale Alu Viharaya, is a sacred Buddhist site located in Aluvihare, within the Matale District of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst hills, the cave temple is situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Kandy, along the Matale-Dambulla road. Its historical significance is deeply rooted in its role as the repository for the first complete written transcription of the Pāli Canon, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, which was inscribed on ola (palm) leaves.

History and Significance

The origins of the Aluvihare Rock Temple are traced back to the 3rd Century B.C., during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, who is credited with founding the temple, planting a Bo sapling, and building the dagoba following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. A critical period in its history occurred in the 1st Century BC. Facing a severe famine known as 'Baminithiyasaya' and simultaneous South Indian invasions, Buddhist monks recognized the threat to the existence of the Buddha Sasana. The challenging conditions made memorizing and reciting the Dhamma difficult. During this time, King Walagamba, who had been temporarily overthrown, regained his throne after fourteen years. Upon his restoration, the monks, having survived in difficult conditions, decided to transcribe the Tripiṭaka for future generations. Aluvihare Rock Temple was chosen as a secure location for this crucial undertaking. Approximately 500 scholarly monks gathered to recite and agree upon the doctrines before inscribing them onto ola leaves using metal styluses. The doctrines were written in the Pali language.

Destruction and Recompilation

Tragically, the old library at Aluvihare Rock Temple, which had safeguarded these transcribed manuscripts for centuries, was completely destroyed during the Matale Rebellion in 1848. Many parts of the temple complex also suffered damage during this incident, the consequences of which are still visible today. The destruction necessitated a lengthy process of recompilation. Generations of monks were required to transcribe the Tripiṭaka anew, a painstaking task that meant the first of the three "baskets of the law" was not completed until 1982.

Temple Features

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is characterized by numerous monastery caves. Some of these caves feature ancient inscriptions, while others display comparatively modern wall and ceiling paintings. Impressive statues and images of Buddha are also housed within the complex. The main cave contains a large reclining statue of the Buddha, alongside standing and seated images. Another cave entrance features striking depictions of hellish realms, illustrating the consequences of sin. One cave is dedicated to the revered Indian monk-scholar Buddhagosa, who is renowned as a preeminent exponent and interpreter of the Pali canonical scriptures. While he resided in Anuradhapura during the 4th and 5th centuries, it is believed he spent several years at the Matale Alu Viharaya engaging in his scholarly pursuits.

Etymology

The name 'Aluvihare' is subject to various folklore and beliefs, all seemingly connected to the concept of light. One interpretation suggests that 'Aloka Vihara' (temple of light) evolved into Aluvihara, with 'Aloka' being the Pali word for light, rendered as 'Alu' in ancient Sinhalese. Another view posits that the temple's location in a rock cave, despite a large rock to the east, allowed sunlight to penetrate, earning it the name 'Aloka Lena' (cave with light). These interpretations collectively indicate that the temple's name is intrinsically linked to light.