Krish's Photography & Information
Location :- Ritigala monastery
Camera :- Canon 6D
Date :- 3rd July 2018
Ritigala is a monastery can reach in two ways. One from
Dambulla – Anuradhapura main road. Other one from Dambulla – Trincomalee road
turn off from Habarana. From habarana about 17Km to the entrance and the
ticketing office.
Ritigala mountain in north central about 770 meters above
the sea-level. This is the breaking point of kalueba ela and malwatu oya
feeding naachchiduwa lake. Kalueba ela feeding Huruluwewa. The peak of the
mountain have many flora which is very rare. Also it has many types of orchids
as well. So, Ritigala mountain declared as a highly strict natural reserve to
maintain the untouched environment.
The history of here is running back to reign of King Pandukabhaya
in 4th Century BC. It has about 70 rock caves which was using since
the 1st century BC. During king pandukabhaya’s reign this monastery
were named as “Ariththa Pabbatha”. This was a sanctuary for the kings who fight
against Indian Tamils in 2nd century BC king Dutugamunu and again in
7th century for king jetthathissa. The rock inscription found in
ritigala indicates, from early days of Buddhism monks were living in natural
caves or rock shelters. So this could be the beginning. According to the
history, this monastery was found by king Lanjithissa. He dedicated this as a
reservoir to the monastery. It comes as a perfect place for monks who practice seriousness.
