Nuwarakanda is an ancient cave monastery in Netiya, Kurunegala, with Early Brahmi inscriptions (3rd c. BC) and links to King Valagamba (89-77 B.C.).
Nuwarakanda Viharaya N uwarakanda Raja Maha Vihara (Sinhala: නෑටිය නුවරකන්ද රජ මහා විහාරය) is an ancient Buddhist temple and archaeological site located in Netiya, in the Wariyapola Divisional Secretariat, Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. It is famous for its rock cave monastery architecture, Brahmi Inscriptions , and its historical links with King Valagamba (103, 89-77 B.C.). History The history of the Nuwarakanda Vihara can be dated back to the 3rd century B.C. due to the presence of Early Brahmi cave inscriptions at the site. The Department of Archaeology has documented approximately 20 such inscriptions carved below the drip-ledges of the caves. These inscriptions typically record the names of donors who donated the caves to the Buddhist monks. Nuwarakanda Inscription of Pitiraja Period: 3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D. Script: Early Brahmi Language: Old Sinhala Transcript: (1) Gamini-Abaya-Pitamaharajhaha jhamata-Kanatishaha (lene) (2) agata-anagata-catu-disha-shagasha dine Translation: The cave of Kanha Tissa,…
