Wegiriya Natha Devalaya

Wégiriya Natha-dévala is housed in arock cave in Wégiriya village. The access road is linked to Kandy Gampola road in the Geli Oya town. It can be reached by travelling along Geli Oya—Biiwelikada road and proceeding further along Bawelikada-Wégiriya road.

There is epigraphical evidence to support the existence of human habitation during the early Anuradhapura period. The local belief is that some of the companions of Theri Sanghamitta had taken up residence in the caves in this locality. Hence, the word Wédisagiri had influenced the formation of the word Wégiri. Another local etymology is that King Buwanakebahu IV had seen the statue of the deity Natha covered by an anthill up to the neck. Hence the name Wégiriya.

The statues of deities Natha and Taréi made out of clay are found in this cave. Since the Natha worship was introduced to the country during the 6th and 7th centuries, it can be believed that the devala had been constructed during that period. A Natha-dévadla in Dorawaka in the Kegalle district supports the prevalence of Natha worship in these areas. The cave accommodates a small shrine room. An annual pageant is held in honour of the deity Pattini in the same complex.

There are several pre-Christian Brahmi inscriptions in the rock caves in Wégiriya village. These inscription bear evidence of human habitation in this area during that period.

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P80, 81)

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Wegiriya Natha Devalaya

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