Sigiriya is a must-visit tourist destination in Sri Lanka, where there is a hidden ancient story behind every place you visit. Other than Sigiriya rock fortress, there is a lot to explore in Sigiriya. Pindurangala rock and the ancient Buddhist temple is also key place in Sigiriya that each and every traveller waits to visit. Pidurangala is an excellent photo, and recently it became a major spot for photography.
History of Pindurangala Vihara
Pindurangala has a huge rock which is said to be formed by volcanic activity. The history of this Vihara dates back to the days of Sigiriya rock fortress. This is larger than Sigiriya and rises to 340m from the sea level. The surface of the top of the Pidurangala rock is slopped a little downwards, and this formation confuses geologists. The rocky outcrops that surround the central rock give one an indication of what the area around Sigiriya may have looked like prior to its clearing and preparation as a royal citadel. Due to its rocky and cave-like features, it is also called Pidurangala cave temple. The temple has objects from various vintages juxtaposed within it, reflecting Buddhist, Hindu and even Western influences. The ruins of ancient monasteries and statues are scattered on the foot of the Pidurangala rock. The history dates back to the pre-Christian era. There are several early Brahmi inscriptions belonging to the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, the inscriptions belonging to 6,7 and 10th AD are found here. But the present temple complex where we visit is said to be attributed to King Kashyapa, the King of Sigiriya.
The king is said to have relocated the Buddhist monks who were occupying the cave complex at Sigiriya Rock to a new monastery in Pidurangala known as “Uppalavanna Kashyapa Girri Viharaya”, built under his patronage. Another popular belief is that the site was home to monks seeking seclusion even before the time of King Kashyapa and that its historical significance ebbed and flowed since the first and second centuries BC.
The temple or the Vihara complex is a fascination that it was built as five main ritual buildings, which were called “Panchawasa” were found. These buildings and the whole vihara include statues, Bodhi tree shine (Bodhigaraya), image house and all the features of a temple.
The stupa located on the left of the entrance to the temple is believed to mark the spot where King Kasyapa, who built Sigiriya, was cremated.
A small site museum is built by the archaeological department at the Pidurangala Vihara premises. Someone interested in the archaeology of Pidurangala can observe the place to explore more about its history.
Pidurangala Reclining Buddha
On the first landing is located a shallow cave with a beautiful 12.5-meter-long statue of a recumbent Buddha. This statue was at one time the largest brick statue of Buddha in the world. It may originally have been commissioned by King Kasyapa. The head and torso of the statue were destroyed by treasure hunters in the 1960s and have been reconstructed.
Climbing the Pidurangala rock
Pidurangala rock is a hidden gem but now gaining popularity after the beautiful photographs being viral on social media. Most youngsters love to climb this rock as it is easy to access and not as hard to climb as the rocks and mountains upcountry.
Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more adventurous than climbing Sigiriya. The climber should be well prepared. If you are fit and adventurous, it is a climb worth making. This climb may probably take two hours. But the time depends on the crown, the climate and also the physical fitness of the climber. At the bottom of the rock, the starter stairs are a bit irregular, so one must be careful of stepping. It has no clearly defined paths or stairs. The second stage of the climb starts at the far end of this landing, past the Reclining Buddha, and should only be attempted by those who are fit and not overweight. Your size and fitness become a major issue here because you have to clamber up steep boulders and creep through very tight crevices. This stage is not for the unfit or obese. The top of the rock has a breathtaking view that anyone forgets to step down. The most amazing pictures are captured on the top of this rock, and recently, it has been a trend to take beautiful capture of 360 views. The view of Sigiriya Rock to the top of Pidurangala Rock is just a wow.
Once you finally reach the top of Pidurangala Rock, you will be greeted by a magnificent vista similar to that from the top of Sigiriya. Viewed from almost any angle, Sigiriya looms majestically. You can even see people climbing the stairs to the top of Sigiriya. On the highest point of Pidurangala Rock is a pile of rubble which is the remains of a stupa.
Climbing a rock in the dry zone may be exhausting and tiresome to someone. Pidurangala can visit throughout the year, but try to climb this rock during springtime or late December in months that are not that dry and hot.
Be prepared with light dresses, but be covered by sun and it is essential to be hydrated before climbing.
The best part of the day to climb the rock is the sunrise and sunset. These times of the day are the best to capture the best photographs.
Things in brief you should know about hiking up Pidurangala Rock.
- The hike is about a 30 to 40-minute hike.
- 500 LKR entrance fee.
- You MUST cover up shoulders, knees and remove shoes at the temple at the start of the trail.
- Cover-ups are sometimes available but bring your own for busy periods.
- Best for sunrise and sunset.
- Pidurangala Rock opens at 5 am and close at 6 pm (this is the ticket office; you can stay up at the rock until dark).
- Snakes and some wild animals are in the area so be careful.
- Medium difficulty hike.
- No plastic allowed (not strictly enforced).
- No toilets at Pidurangala Rock or on the trail.
Where to stay in Pidurangala?
There are fewer accommodations around the Pidurangala area rather than in Sigiriya. Since the significant spot to visit is Sigiriya rock fortress, it is only in Sigiriya where accommodations exist. There are hotels you can choose accordingly to your budget line. It is a worthy note here that most of the hotels in Sigiriya have a view of the rock fortress, and it is an outstanding view. There are accommodations from guest houses to star-category hotels so that you can choose on your arrival or before through the Internet.
