The Monastery in Mulkirigala

by Prasad Abu Bakr

Found during the period 77-59 BC by King Saddhatissa, this ancient rock monestry possess the most intriguing history to it.

In comparison to the wilderness that prevailed at the time today it is surrounded by a lush Coconut plantation, some villagers say that according to certain facts from the past it is reported that the area was much less cultivated than is made to believe today, reference to an engraving by an artist in 1741 from a picture by Avent Jansen, a Dutch artist shows that trees were subsequently planted to improve the vegetation of the area.

The monestry is roughly 13 miles away from Tangalle and can be reached by a vehicle by a road that goes through Beliatte, rising steeply to about 350 feet and about a mile in circumference at the summit where the ancient cave monestry is found. Newer monestry buildings are found at the foot of the hill and can be seen as you arrive at the site.

As one keeps climbing the rock one comes across a variety of shrine rooms and ponds surrounded by large rocks, the 'Pahala Viharaya' is the shrine one meets as one lands on the fist level. 2 Buddha statues are found here and the inside of the cave is heavily decorated with various motifs and murals consisting of events from Jathaka stories depicting the life of the Buddha.

There are also numerous inscriptions on the outer rocks. There are also a few large terracotta vases and clay bowls in worn out textures suggesting that they have been lying around down the ages. A small dagoba is also found outside in the terrace here.

Through a rocky path one can reach the next level by climbing a flight of steps, there is an old preaching hall re-built recently stands isolated and overpowered by the main rock in the background, along another flight of steps at a slightly higher level one would find the 'Bodhi Viharaya' inside are a large Buddha statue, adjoining are the Kataragama and Vishnu Devalayas, out in the terrace is a Bo Tree and a Dagoba.

At the main level of worship at the top level of the rock which has to be reached by a steep climb up the 'Raja Maha Viharaya' is situated, inside amongst these caves in a cluster of three large Buddha statues are found among other images.

An ancient 'Library' or 'Pothgula' is also situated at this level, it is believed that a sort of a literary text of the 'Mahavamsa' was found at this library in 1872. A large pond is also found here, the outer surface of the pond also has a number of engravings and it is believed that barren women found that by bathing in this pond they became fertile again.

The 'Bodhi Maluwa' situated on even higher level has a large Bo Tree protected by a half wall built around it, the terrace is paved with many trees among which there are 'Araliya' and trees of medicinal values.

As one arrive at the top one could have a panoramic view of the surrounding villages which is a rare treat by itself. A small Dagoba and a small Devalaya is also found at this level which is the peak of the Mulkirigala Rock Monestry.

The great respect shown by man towards the teachings of the Buddha is clearly felt as one completes the journey, many of the monks who lived here might have laboured to preserve what ever that was useful for the evolution of Buddhism besides this one could feel the tranquillity of the place if one does not treat this whole expedition as a climbing of a rock as much as a meditative exercise that heals.