Kaballelena Raja Maha Viharaya is a protected Buddhist cave temple in Wellagala, Kurunegala, with shrines, murals, and a large reclining Buddha statue
Kaballelena Viharaya (Wellagala) Not to be confused with Kaballelena Viharaya (Maeliya) K aballelena Purana Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: වැල්ලාගල කබල්ලෑලෙන පුරාණ විහාරය) is a Buddhist cave temple situated in the village of Wellagala in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. History Folklore Locals connect the history of this temple with King Valagamba (103, 89-77 B.C.). They believe that the caves of this place had been used by the king when he was in hiding, seeking refuge from the threats by South Indian invaders who were at the time ruling the Anuradhapura Kingdom . Etymology The name of this temple, Kaballelena is thought to have been evolved from the name of God Suniyam ( Suniyam Deviyo ), the main deity of Kaballelena Viharaya. Suniyam Deviyo is considered a powerful deity who is capable of placing curses on other people. The god is also called Kaballe Devi by the locals and hence it is believed that the current name of this temple has come into the parlance through the local name of Suniyam Deviyo. The Cave Temple The main cave …
