Wegiriya Temple

Did the very stones of Wegiriya Temple whisper to you as you approached? They speak of centuries of devotion, echoing with the chants of Buddhist monks and the prayers of locals. Wegiriya Temple, nestled in the Wegiriya village of Kandy District, is more than just a temple. It’s a living testament to Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage. The temple, also known as Wegiriya Natha Devalaya, is dedicated to God Natha. He’s a local deity, revered alongside figures like Vishnu, Skanda, and Pattini, especially during the Kandyan Period. Natha holds a unique position, not just as a local deity, but also as an aspirant Buddha within the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon. The history of Wegiriya Temple stretches back remarkably far. An Early Brahmi Cave Inscription places the site’s origins in the pre-Christian era. Local lore whispers of a fascinating connection to Sanghamitta Theri. She was the daughter of the Indian Emperor Asoka, and legend says some of her companions sought refuge in the caves around Wegiriya. The worship of Natha himself is believed to have begun in Sri Lanka around the 6th or 7th century A.D. This suggests the temple could date back to that time. Others believe it was founded later, perhaps during the reign of King Buvanekabahu IV in the 14th century. The Wegiriya Temple is built into a cave high on a solitary mountain, a place of quiet contemplation. Within the cave, you’ll find statues of God Natha and Goddess Tara. Notice the intricate details of the Sandakada Pahana, the moonstone, at the temple’s entrance, and the ornate stone door-frame of the Buddha shrine. These are more than just decorations. They’re historical artifacts. Two inscriptions further deepen the story of Wegiriya Temple. One, a cave inscription from between the 3rd century B.C. and the 1st century A.D., tells of the individuals who dedicated this space, their names and professions etched into the rock. The second inscription, from 1415 A.D., documents land grants to the temple from several kings, including Vikramabahu III, Buvanekabahu V, and Sri Parakramabahu Apanan. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Wegiriya Temple, along with its inscriptions and the surrounding cave, were declared protected archaeological monuments in 1965. As you leave Wegiriya Temple, carry with you not just the image of its serene beauty, but also the echoes of its long and vibrant history.