Mulkirigala Rock Temples

Mulkirigala temples are an ancient group of Buddhist temples in Mulkirigala town, near Tangalle, in Hambantota district of Southern Province, Sri Lanka. These temples are built on a 205 metres high natural rock and have four other rock hills in the vicinity, namely Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala. The rock temples are amidst lush green coconut plantations. This site has been officially recognized as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka, by UNESCO. Mulkirigala rock temples in Tangalle are known by different names, such as Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, Mulgirigala Vihara, Muvathitigala Vihara Little Sigiriya, etc., as given by various sects of Buddhists, priests and some by ancient locals and learned men.

The 533 steps climb to reach the temples is definitely worth the effort, because the temples are the epitome of peace and antique splendour. The walls of the temples have murals and sculptures dating back to the Kandyan Era. These paintings mostly depict the life of Gautama Buddha. Some of them even represent the concept of after death, while some others are excerpts from Jataka stories.

The area is divided into seven Viharas within five compounds, named Siyambalamaluwa, Lower Vihara, Bomaluwa, Raja Maha Vihara and Dethispala Bodhiya. Each compound has different features and contents. For example, the first compound has the museum and a rest house, the second has tombs and a monastery, the third has a hall and a cave, the fourth consists of a pond, a rock inscription and a lamp post, and the fifth one contains a bell tower, a lake and a horizon valley. These compounds make the site jaw-droppingly gorgeous, with its grandeur and antiqueness. Not only does the sit look astonishing, but it is also very peaceful.