Danagirigala Raja Maha Viharaya
Danagirigala Viharaya (Photo credit: Sameera Liyanage, Google Street View) Danagirigala/Danakirigala Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: දනගිරිගල රජ මහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple in Aranayaka in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. It is situated on a hill to the north of the famous Batalegala Rock . History According to local belief, Danagigigala was the ancient Vadunnagala, the residence of the mythical Naga king Chulodara [(read the story of Nagadeepa Viharaya ) Abeyawardana, 2002]. Two Early Brahmi Inscriptions that have been engraved below the drip ledges of the caves at the site indicate that Danagirigala has a history running back to the pre-Christian era (Medhananda, 1984; Paranavitana, 1970). Danagirigala cave inscription of Vessa Period: 2nd century B.C. Script: Early Brahmi Language: Old Sinhala Transcript: Parumaka Vesha puta parumaka Veshaha lene Translation: The cave of the chief Vessa, son of the chief Vessa. Citation: Paranavitana, 1970. p.61. The hill where the Danagirigala te…
