Pidurangala | Temple of Kassapa of Sigiriya Pidurangala Viharaya , also known as Piduragala Cave Temple (පිදුරංගල විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated near the famous Sigiriya Fortress in Matale District, Sri Lanka. The ruins of the ancient monastery are found scattered over acres on both the summit and the foot of Pidurangala rock which rises to a height of 340 m (1,115.49 ft.) above mean sea level. Etymology
According to the view of some, the name " Pidurangala " has been derived from the "Piduran mila nindan gala " (Abeywardana, 2004). History
The history of Pidurangala runs back to the pre-Christian era. Several Early Brahmi Inscriptions belonging to the 3rd century B.C. - 1st century A.D. have been found inscribed on the brows of the rock caves located within the temple premises. The present Pidurangala temple complex is attributed to King Kashyapa of Sigiriya [(475-497 A.D.) Abeywardana, 2004]. Also, inscriptions belonging to the 6-7th, and 10th centuries A.D. have been discovered at the site. A marble plaq…
