Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara

Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara is a significant ancient cave temple located in Pilikuththuwa, Sri Lanka. It is recognized by the government as an archaeological site, underscoring its historical and cultural importance. The temple's origins are believed to stretch back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that its caves, featuring drip ledges, may have served as abodes for the Sangha (monks) as early as the 2nd to 3rd century BC.

Legends associated with Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara link it to King Valagamba, who is said to have resided in this historical locale periodically during the invasion from South India between 89 and 77 BC. The temple is renowned for possessing one of the highest numbers of drip-ledged rock caves in Sri Lanka, with 78 caves identified to date, spread across an estimated 200 acres. This concentration of natural cave dwellings points to a long history of monastic use.

The historical significance of the site is further enhanced by various ancient features. These include inscriptions with pre-Brahmi characters dating back to the 3rd century CE, a pond constructed from a cairn of stones, an ancient mould creeper, a wooden bridge dating from the Kandyan period, and a Dagoba with its natural Vatadage. Additionally, the presence of an ancient reservoir, roads, water pools, and natural water ponds contribute to its heritage value. The Sri Lankan government has formally declared various components of the temple as protected monuments, including the image house, the caves with drip ledges, the Bhikkhu dwellings (Awasageya), the wooden bridge, the pond, the Dagoba, and the stone inscriptions.