Padikemgala Buddhist Monastery

This is situated in Sooriyawewa near the Mahagalwewa reservoir, on a rock inselberg. This is an ancient monastery that is now an archaeological preserve. 'Padikemgala' means 'rock cistern with steps'. The monastery was built during King Mahanaga of Ruhuna (250-210 BC), brother of King Devanampiyatissa, who ruled at Anuradhapura.

This is one of the largest monasteries found outside the Capital city - Tissamaharama. This monastery had accommodated many resident monks who used the water in the pools on the rock for their daily needs. The ornate 'Bodhighara' (Bo tree enclosure) is the only octagonal-shaped one found so far. A high terrace made of boulders surrounded the whole complex preventing the erosion of the upper terrace where the monks resided and performed their religious rites. The stone pillars used in the extremely large Chapter House construction, where the monks observed religious rites, indicate that a large number of priests had lived here. Recent excavations at this site have revealed many ruins of a Chapter House, image house, and many buildings supporting a monastic community, which indicates the affluence of this centre as a Buddhist Educational Institute for monks.

(Heritage of Ruhuna by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P107)

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