Whispers of ancient kings echo through the grounds of Asgiriya Maha Viharaya. This Buddhist monastery stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history. Asgiriya Maha Viharaya is also called Asgiriya temple or Asgiriya Gedige. It is located in Kandy.
Founded by Commander Siriwardhana, Asgiriya Viharaya was built upon the instructions of Parakramabahu IV of Kurunegala. This happened between 1305 and 1335 A.D. The temple is north of Kandy Lake. It is older than Malwathu Maha Viharaya.
Originally, the buildings stood where Trinity College is now. Monks from Valasgala hermitage in Yapahuwa first resided here. Valasgala translates to “Acchagiri” in Pali. The Sinhalese name Asgiri derives from this. Another legend says Asgiri is named after Queen Chandrawathie. She was King Wikramabahu’s mother. Her cremation ground was at Adahana Maluva in Asgiriya.
Kings contributed to Asgiriya Viharaya’s development. Asgiriya monks safeguarded the Tooth Relic during invasions and rebellions. They acted on behalf of the ruling monarch.
Asgiriya monastery consists of several sections. There is the “Purana Viharaya” or old temple. Then, there is “Meda Pansala” or middle temple. There is also “Aluth Viharaya” or new temple and the “Gedige Vihara”.
Meegastanne Dissawe of Dumbara built the middle temple in 1767. Pilimathalawe Dissawe built the new temple a year later in 1768. The old temple contains a Buddha statue under a Makara Thorana. Inside, it resembles Gedige Viharaya. Statues of deities Natha and Saman stand on either side of the Buddha.
Pilimathalawe Adhikaram modified the new temple in 1801. He was the son of Pilimathalawe Dissawe. Asgiriya Viharaya also features a 36-foot long recumbent Buddha statue carved from rock. There are two “poya-ge” halls used for monastic meetings.
Adahana Maluwa is the Royal Cremation Ground of the Kandyan kingdom. It is within Asgiriya Maha Vihara. The Viharaya had three terraces. These are Uda Maluwa upper terrace Meda Maluwa centre terrace and Palle Maluwa lower terrace. Royal family members were cremated at Meda Maluwa. The temple there was known as Adahanamaluwa Gedige Viharaya.
Bodies of Kandy kings and their families were burned and buried at Adahana Maluva. Adahanamaluwa Gedige is the second oldest structure in Kandy. Its architecture resembles Natha Devale and Gadaladeniya Vihara.
During 1878-80, the British built a railway line to Matale. A tunnel was built below Asgiri Vihara’s Adahana Maluva. This construction destroyed the remaining royal tombs.
Today, Asgiriya Maha Viharaya remains a vital center of Buddhist learning and practice. It is one of the two monasteries that holds custodianship of the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The chief incumbent is Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero. 565 temples operate under Asgiri Viharaya of Kandy.
The Asgiriya Chapter of Siyam Nikaya plays a crucial role in Sri Lankan Buddhism. It maintains traditions and provides guidance to temples nationwide. The Mahanayaka Thera of Asgiriya is one of the three custodians of the sacred Tooth Relic.
As you leave Asgiriya today, remember its history. Think of the kings, monks and relics. Let the serenity of this sacred place stay with you.