Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Sithulpauwa

Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. Located in Hambantota district 30 Km from Yala Village. With a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship. The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient ‘Cittalpabbata’, ‘The hill of the quiet mind’. It is said that in the 1st century AD as many as 12,000 Arahants lived here (monks that have achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism). Maha Sithulpauwa rock is 400 feet in height and it houses an intricate cave complex and the dagoba situated on top of the rock; the dagoba is believed to have been built by king Kawantissa. The rock temple is famous for its early Brahmi script, ruins of the preaching house and the fragments of paintings that can be viewed at the image house. For nature lovers wonderful environment around the temple.

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala