Hindagala

What if I told you about a hidden treasure near the bustling city of Kandy? Just a stone’s throw from the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya lies Hindagala, a village home to the magnificent Hindagala Raja Maha Viharaya. This isn’t just another temple. Hindagala boasts one of the best-preserved Buddhist cave temples in the Kandyan style. Here you’ll find an abundance of murals, making it a visual feast for the soul. What sets Hindagala apart is its place in history. It houses some of the largest surviving paintings from the Anuradhapura period that depict the Buddha. Imagine, these very walls hold art contemporary to the Sigiriya frescoes! You might wonder why this gem remains relatively unknown. It’s a simple case of too much to see! Kandy’s charm captivates visitors, leaving them with little time to uncover hidden treasures like Hindagala. The story of Hindagala intertwines with kings and queens. Legend has it that King Valagambha, in the 1st century BC, shot an arrow that landed near a rock resembling an elephant, giving Hindagala its name. This unique formation might also be the inspiration behind the alternative interpretation of its name – a kneeling elephant. But the tales don’t end there. Centuries later, Queen Henekanda Biso Bandara, consort of King Vikramabahu III, is said to have gifted lands to the temple after an incident involving torches and a case of mistaken identity. Hindagala even played a unique role in Sri Lankan history. When the British conquered Kandy, the Sacred Tooth Relic was moved from its shrine for safekeeping. On its journey back to Kandy, Hindagala was honored to house the relic for a night, a testament to the temple’s significance. The clay casket that once held this sacred relic is still preserved within the temple walls. Hindagala is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history and artistic brilliance, a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into the island’s soul.