A Buddhist cave temple in Seruwewa with Brahmi inscriptions, linking to early monastic use and showing Anuradhapura and Kandyan architectural features
Yakgiri Lena Viharaya Y akgiri Lena Viharaya (Sinhala: සේරුවැව යක්ගිරි ලෙන් විහාරය) is a Buddhist cave temple situated in Seruwewa village in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. The site can be reached by travelling from Kurunegala town towards Hiripitiya until reach the Rangama Junction and then towards Gonagama. The name board to the temple is found on the junction that comes just after crossing the railway road. History Locals link the history of this temple to Arhat Mahinda Thera. Although there is no concrete evidence, it is said that he visit this site after arriving in Sri Lanka in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (247-207 B.C.) of Anuradhapura (Anuradha & Kumari, 2015). However, the Early-Brahmi Inscription engraved just below the drip-ledge of the main cave temple confirms that this site was an abode for the Buddhist monks since the pre-Christian era. Yakgiri Lena Vihara Inscription of Yasopala Period: 3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D. Script: Early Brahmi Language: Old Sinhala Transcript: Parumaka-Yasho…
