About the Historical Heritage of Katugahagalge
A Brief Introduction
Situated near Buttala along the Badalkumbura Road, beside the Katugahagalge reservoir, Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya is a remarkable example of Sri Lanka's ancient cave temple tradition. With written evidence from a cave inscription dated to the 3rd century BCE, this sacred site has been home to an unbroken lineage of monks, including Arahants, spanning over 2,300 years.
At the heart of the temple lies the main natural rock cave, measuring 300 feet in length and 50 feet in width. The construction of both the image house (Buddhu Medura) and the monastic dwelling (Sangawasa) beneath a single rock cave is a rare feature among Sri Lankan temples.
The site is rich in archaeological treasures, including rock caves bearing the footprints of legendary figures like Therapuththabhaya Thero, ancient stupas atop a 200-foot rock outcrop, and the rare Nissanka Malla pillar inscription. Through folklore, inscriptions, and artefacts, Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya endures today as a living testament to Sri Lanka's Buddhist civilisation, bridging the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras.
"The greatest caves are not carved from rock, but from a tranquil mind."
Our Vision
To sustain Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya as a monastic centre that preserves the ancient cave heritage and spiritual environment while sharing the values of Buddhism with future generations.
Our Mission
The conservation of 2,300-year-old historical ruins, provision of monastic requisites for resident monks, and the development of the sacred site through new construction with the selfless support of the village community form our ongoing mission.
Ven. Mapakada Pemarathana, Chief Incumbent
Ven. Mapakada Pemarathana Thero entered the monastic order on _____ and received higher ordination on _____. He has served as the chief incumbent of Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya since _____. A student of _____ Thero, he is also regarded as the spiritual guide of the village community.
One of the foremost development efforts led by the chief incumbent was the restoration of the reclining Buddha statue, which had been severely damaged by treasure hunters. In addition, he guided the construction of the new Dhamma hall, rallying the voluntary labour and financial contributions of villagers and donors, to replace the old hall that was on the verge of collapse. The new Dhamma hall is scheduled to open on 20 May 2026.
In the field of education, he serves under the Ministry of Education as the provincial/regional head of Pirivena education for _____. His dedicated service to the advancement of Pirivena education in _____ was recently recognised with the conferment of the title of _____. Under his leadership, Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya continues to thrive as a centre of monastic and community service.