Sankapala Temple | Pallebadda
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Buddhist Temple
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Religious Place
About this Attraction
I’ve always been fascinated by historical temples with legendary stories, so when I heard about Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya—a place tied to one of King Dutugemunu’s ten great giants, Giant Pussadeva—I was intrigued.
Nestled near the 24th-mile post on the Ratnapura–Embilipitiya road, this temple promised a blend of ancient history, spiritual serenity, and archaeological intrigue. My journey did not disappoint.
The Arrival: A Gateway to the Past
The drive to Sankapala Temple was an experience in itself.
The lush greenery of Pallebedda surrounded me as the road gently wound through quaint villages and scenic countryside. As I approached the temple's entrance, the striking rock formation of Hakgedi Gala (the Conch Shell Rock) came into view—standing tall, silent, yet imposing.
Legend has it that Giant Pussadeva—famed for blowing his conch shell to announce victories during the Vijithapura battle—had this rock as a tribute to his battle conch, which is believed to be buried atop the mountain.
The Climb: Ascending through Sacred Caves
Stepping out of the car, I was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of tranquillity. The air was crisp, with a faint earthy scent from the surrounding forest.
The path to the temple led me past 14 ancient caves, each carved into the rock.
Once meditation dens for Buddhist monks, these caves exuded a timeless silence. I couldn't help but imagine the ascetic lives these monks led—isolated yet spiritually fulfilled, with only the whispers of wind and chirping of birds to break the silence.
The Cave Image House: A Time Capsule of Artistry
The first major stop was the cave image house.
Walking into the dimly lit space, I was greeted by centuries-old murals telling the story of Buddha's life. The walls were adorned with vivid, earthy colors crafted from natural pigments.
Two seated Buddha statues faced me, their expressions calm and knowing.
The standing Buddha statue beside them radiated a sense of gentle authority. The artistry, with delicate lines and intricate floral patterns, reminded me of the Kandyan period's signature style.
The Legend of Giant Pussadeva
A monk at the temple kindly shared the legend of Giant Pussadeva:
- Pussadeva was one of the ten great warriors of King Dutugemunu.
- His role was to signal victories by blowing his conch shell during battles.
- After the battle of Vijithapura, the king gifted this land to Pussadeva.
- Pussadeva, in his later years, became a Buddhist monk and founded this temple.
The conch shell rock (Hakgedi Gala), visible from the stupa, is a silent homage to this historical hero.
The Stupa: A Beacon of Spirituality
The climb to the stupa was steep but rewarding.
Upon reaching the top, I stood still—captivated by the breathtaking view of the lush plains below.
The white stupa, simple yet elegant, stood against a backdrop of blue skies.
The wind here was more assertive, and I imagined it carrying the echoes of Pussadeva's conch, resonating across the valleys below.
I took a moment to meditate, feeling the calming energy of the sacred space.
The Sathsathi Vihara Mandir: Where Art Meets Devotion
Descending from the stupa, I visited the Sathsathi Vihara Mandir.
This chamber of statues housed two seated Buddhas and a standing figure, all of which bore distinct Kandyan-era features.
The paintings on the walls depicted Jataka tales—stories from Buddha's previous lives.
The warm hues of the murals, combined with the gentle glow of oil lamps, created an aura of sacred calm.
Maha Vihara Devalaya: A Crossroad of Faiths
Next, I walked to the Maha Vihara Devalaya, located at the heart of the temple complex.
This shrine didn't just honour Lord Buddha—it also contained statues of Lord Kataragama and Lord Vishnu.
The coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu elements here reflected the cultural synthesis of Sri Lanka's spiritual heritage.
The mural-adorned walls were stunning, with scenes of deities, monks, and pilgrims, each storytelling brushstroke speaking of devotion and artistry.
Archaeological Discoveries: Echoes of the Past
Recent archaeological excavations revealed ancient inscriptions and stone pillars, some displayed near the temple entrance.
The inscriptions in the Brahmi script detailed donations made to the monastery.
I found it fascinating to see 2,000-year-old writing etched into stone—an unchanging message from the past.
Practical Insights: Planning Your Visit
If you ever plan a trip to Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya, here’s some practical advice:
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Getting There:
- From Ratnapura, it's a 45-minute drive along the Ratnapura–Embilipitiya road.
- Buses and tuk-tuks are available, but I recommend hiring a car for comfort.
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Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler.
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
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Dress Code:
- Modest attire is required—cover shoulders and knees.
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Special Attractions:
- Don't miss the conch shell rock (Hakgedi Gala) at the summit.
- Visit during Poya days to witness traditional ceremonies.
Final Reflection: A Journey Through Time and Faith
As I left the temple grounds, I turned back for one last glimpse.
The stupa stood resilient against the evening sky, and the distant call of a temple bell lingered in the air.
The story of Giant Pussadeva, the historic caves, and the artistic marvels of the Kandyan murals left me with a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.
Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya isn’t just a temple; it’s a living monument to faith, art, and history.
Best Time to Visit
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Busiest Month is May
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This is an ideal to visit year-round, offering unique experiences and enchanting beauty in every season.
Required time for Explore this Attraction
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Visitors typically require around 1 hour to explore this attraction and enjoy its key highlights.
Highlights
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Bike Parking
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Free Entry
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Parking Available
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Toilets Available