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Matale Alu Viharaya Sacred Buddhist Temple

The Matale Alu Viharaya, also known as the Aluvihare Rock Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Matale, Sri Lanka and is a 1 hour 30 minutes ride from SigiriyaJungles hotel. The temple complex is situated on a hilltop, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is famous for its historical significance and its collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures.

 

The Matale Alu Viharaya was constructed during the 3rd century BC, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The temple was initially built as a cave monastery by the monk Mahinda Thera, who was the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. Mahinda Thera was instrumental in spreading Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the Matale Alu Viharaya was one of the earliest Buddhist temples in the country.

 

The temple was built at a time when Buddhism was taking root in Sri Lanka, and it played a crucial role in shaping the country’s Buddhist heritage. The temple’s early monks were instrumental in translating the Buddhist scriptures into the Sinhalese language, which helped to make Buddhism accessible to the local people. The translation of the scriptures was a significant event in Sri Lankan history and is still celebrated today.

 

The Matale Alu Viharaya is also famous for its collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures. The temple’s library, which is known as the Tripitaka Library, contains the entire collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Pali language. The collection includes over 5000 manuscripts, making it one of the most extensive collections of Buddhist scriptures in the world.

 

The temple’s collection of scriptures has been meticulously preserved over the centuries, and the manuscripts are still used by scholars today to study the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The library also contains several other important documents, including ancient medical texts and historical records.

 

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Matale Alu Viharaya is also an architectural marvel. The temple’s cave complex consists of several chambers, each of which contains a shrine dedicated to a different Buddhist deity. The walls and ceilings of the chambers are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.

 

One of the most impressive features of the temple is its rock-cut Buddha statue. The statue, which is carved into the rock face, is over 14 meters in length and is one of the largest rock-cut Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. The statue is believed to have been created during the 10th century AD and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese art.

 

The Matale Alu Viharaya is also an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple to pay their respects to the Buddha and to offer prayers and offerings. The temple is particularly busy during the annual Esala Perahera festival, which is celebrated in July or August and is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka.

 

In conclusion, the Matale Alu Viharaya is a unique and significant cultural and religious site in Sri Lanka. The temple’s historical significance, collection of ancient scriptures, and architectural marvels make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The temple is a testament to the enduring power and influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and stands as a symbol of the country’s spiritual and cultural identity.