Bathalegala, also known as Bible Rock (Sinhala: බතලේගල) is a rock located in Hathgampola in the Aranayaka Division, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka (Abeyawardana, 2002). Rising to a height of about 797.96 m (2,618 ft.) above sea level, the rock has presently become a popular place suitable for hiking (Abeyawardana, 2002).
The rock is triangular in shape when it is viewed from the Aranayaka area (Abeyawardana, 2002). During the British Period (British Ceylon: 1815-1948 A.D.), the rock is called the Bible Rock because it has an appearance similar to the shape of a book/Bible (Abeyawardana, 2002). However, the view from Balana near the famous Kadugannawa Tunnel on the Colombo-Kandy main road is very popular among the people as it instantly reminds everyone the shape of the more famous Sigiriya rock.
Folklore
According to folklore, Batalegala got its name because, a pot of rice has turned to a blood-red colour at this spot (Abeyawardana, 2002). In the Sinhala Language Batalegala can be interpreted as; Bata (rice): le (blood): gala (the rock). However, another story suggests that the rock is so named because it resembles the shape of a sweet potato (Abeyawardana, 2002).
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References
1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2002. Heritage of Sabaragamuwa: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Sabaragamuwa Development Bank and The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-077-7. pp.76-77.
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This page was last updated on 30 July 2023
