Hatthikucchi Vihara, Location, History

Hatthikucchi Vihara-Sri Lanka -The 1st Century BC Cave complex of Forest Dwelling Monks amidst the Rock Boulders

Hatthikucchi Viharaya (Ethkus Vehera)

Hatthikucchi Viharaya, also known as Ethkus Vehera, derives its name from a large rock that strikingly resembles a kneeling elephant. This resemblance lends itself to the translation of "Hatthikucchi," which means "elephant's belly" in English. The temple complex is not only a spiritual haven but also a significant site of historical and cultural importance, spanning over 100 acres and boasting a rich history that dates back to the 1st century BC.

Location

To reach Hatthikucchi, travelers can take the Anuradhapura-Kurunegala road or approach from the town of Puttalam by passing through Anamaduwa. Following the Anuradhapura-Kurunegala road leads them through Galgamuwa town. At the 43rd milepost in Mahagalkadawala, visitors should turn off and continue for about 3 miles to find the temple located nestled within the lush surroundings of the forest.

Visiting the Site

Accessing this magnificent, eco-rich site may require some extra time, as it is somewhat removed from the heavily frequented main roads. However, the journey is undeniably rewarding. The cave complex, surrounded by serene ponds and verdant trees, creates a tranquil atmosphere that enchants visitors. This natural beauty, combined with the temple's spiritual significance, offers an enriching experience for those who venture to explore it. The area is not only a sanctuary for Buddhist practice but also a paradise for nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture its unique charm.

Historical Significance

The historical narrative surrounding Hatthikucchi Viharaya is steeped in legend and tragedy. It is believed that King Sirisangabo, who renounced the crown around 244 AD, sought refuge in the dense forest surrounding the temple. Facing immense pressure and threats to his safety, the king made a heartbreaking decision as an act of devotion; he cut off his own head and entrusted it to a villager to deliver to the ruling King Gotabaya. The king, fearing a potential resurgence of Sirisangabo’s rule, had ordered this grim request. Today, the temple area features monuments that commemorate the king's tragic end, serving as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between power, loyalty, and sacrifice in Sri Lanka’s storied past.

Just like the rocky mountain ranges scattered across the dry zone of Sri Lanka, Hatthikucchi Temple also served as a residence and place of worship for early Buddhist monks.

The temple grounds feature numerous caves carved from stone, indicating that this site was originally a monastery in the pre-Christian era. Among these caves, an early Brahmi inscription dating from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD has been found in one cave, while a later Brahmi inscription from the 2nd to 4th century AD appears in another. The first inscription reveals the cave's name as "Patibanakute," with the text reading: "Upashaka Shumanaha Lene Patibanakute Shagasha." The second inscription mentions Matigabuthi, the son of a devotee named Vaidya Mitha, who donated the cave to the Sangha. Its text states: "Upashaka Veja Mithaha Puta Matiga Butiya Lene Shagasha."

Significant cave complexes are also found in Mihintale, Ritigala, Dambulla, Sithulpawwa, Maha Elagamuwa, Periya Puliyankulama, Rajagala, and Bambaragala, enhancing the historical and cultural richness of the region.

The archaeological monuments of the ancient monastery Hatthikucchi are scattered across numerous large and small rocks. Among the most intriguing and significant religious structures in this area are the Poya Geya, Pratimagharaya, Vatadagaya, Bodhi Gharaya, and Jantagharaya, along with several other monuments whose original purposes remain unclear. These noteworthy sites are spread out across the northern plain of the ancient complex.

While there are additional constructions on the southern slope and at the mountain peak, they are generally less significant than those found on the plain. One particularly interesting building, often mistakenly referred to as a Padanghara, stands out among the rest. The large and small rocks surrounding the plain have been transformed into living quarters for the monastery's monks. However, only a few of these cave dwellings attract the attention of modern tourists, as the majority remain concealed within the forest.

Professor Nochchiye Somananda Thero notes that there are 38 caves carved into the rocks at this site. The environment conducive to the transformation of this area into a temple was established when it served as a residence for the Sangha during the early years of Buddhism’s arrival in Sri Lanka.

Hatthikucchi Vihara Caves and Pond near the Museum

Hatthikucchi Vihara Caves and Pond near the Museum

The Chapter House (Uposataghara - Pohoya Geya)

The Chapter House (Uposataghara - Pohoya Geya)

The Image House (Pathimaghara - Pilima Geya)

The Image House (Pathimaghara - Pilima Geya)

The Hatthikucchi rock resembling a kneeling down Elephant on his belly

The Hatthikucchi rock resembling a kneeling down Elephant on his belly

The Stone Steps leading to Hatthikucchi Rock Surface Image Gallery

The Stone Steps leading to Hatthikucchi Rock Surface

The Ruins of a Building and the Cave on Hatthikucchi Rock Top Image Gallery

Lankatilaka Vihara Architecture

The Pond and Vedahala

Buddha Image House

The approach to the Buddha Image House is from the vihara, facing the eastern side, via a flight of stone steps. At the base of these steps is a Moonstone, or Sandakadapahana. Two balustrades, or Korawakgalas, designed in the Gajasinha style, flank the sides of the steps leading to the arched doorway. The outer dragon arch, known as the Makara Torana, features unique elements that make it particularly special. Inside the arched doorway, visitors can see paintings of two lion figures, while the guardian figures exhibit the Tivanka characteristics.

The Vatadagaya

Except for the boundary wall surrounding the courtyard of Vatadage, which measures approximately 17.90 x 17.60 meters, all the constructions within the courtyard are built from well-cut stones. The courtyard itself is square in shape, with the same dimensions of 17.90 x 17.60 meters. Access to the courtyard is facilitated by a flight of steps in the center of each side, allowing entry from all four directions. These steps and staircases are simple in design, featuring no carvings and constructed from stone with semi-circular shapes. At the base of each staircase, doors with lintels can be seen at the northern, eastern, and southern gates, indicating that a similar door likely existed at the western end. Each doorway is flanked by a pair of octagonal pillars. The floor of the Dagoba courtyard is covered with stone slabs, while the Dagoba itself is encircled by three round stone pillars that support the roof of the temple. Based on the arrangement of these pillars, it is evident that while the Dagoba courtyard is square in plan, the dome and its roof are circular. This round dome exhibits subtle differences from the designs of other domes found in Sri Lanka, such as those at Thiriya, Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, and Thuparamaya in Anuradhapura which have circular courtyards and circular domes.

Ruins of Kuti-Monks dwelling place

Ruins of Kuti-Monks dwelling place

The Cave Temple and Recline Buddha Image

The Cave Temple and Recline Buddha Image of the Kandyan Era

Building with a Stone Bridge

Building with a Stone Bridge

Caves at the top of the rock and the landscape from Rock top

Caves at the top of the rock and the landscape from Rock top

The Ira Handa nodakina Pokuna [ Pond that doesn't get exposed to Sun and Moon]

The Ira Handa nodakina Pokuna [ Pond that doesn't get exposed to Sun and Moon]

Climb to the Upper Caves from the path behind the Museum.

Climb to the Upper Caves from the path behind the Museum.

The Balancing Rock

The Balancing Rock

Hatthikucchi Google Satellite Map

Hatthikucchi Google Satellite Map - Lat 8.061795 Lon 80.246151 showing Vatadage, Image House, Caves, Hatthikucchi Rock, Inscriptions, Buddha Image Cave Temple, Ponds, Building Ruins

Reference

Dr. Senarath Dissanayake " Asirimath Hatthikucchi Viharaya"- Sinhala Edition