Towering amidst a verdant canopy of hills just 30km south of the hill capital Kandy lies a Buddhist temple that is considered a veritable institution in Sri Lankan history. Dubbed the Mathale Alu Vihare this cave temple located along the Matale-Dambulla route dates back to the era of the country's first Buddhist monarch in the 3rd century B.C. In fact it is believed that the ancient temple was commissioned and built under the patronage of King Devanampiyatissa who planted the sacred Bo tree sapling in the temple grounds.
The Mathale Alu Vihare is also connected with the transcription of the Thripitakaya or the book of Buddhist doctrines that were preserved in oral form till then. With the attendance of 500 scholarly priests the enormous task of documenting the sacred doctrines of Buddhist philosophy on Ola leaves took place at this holy venue which is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.
Accessible via a series of stone steps the cave temple consists of several rock caves with innumerable ancient sculptures and murals decorating the inner spaces. Some of the ancient paintings on display depict Buddhist Jathaka stories such as the Huridattha Jatakaya, Vessantara Jatakaya and Dahamsonda Jatakaya while the entrance to the main cave is adorned with pictures of lions, the moon, sun and flags. Known as "doratupala" paintings or gatekeeper motifs, a "Makara Thorana" is also found at the entrance to the cave. The highlights within the Sangayana Lena include a painting of the historic documentation of the Buddhist scripture depicting Maha Rahathan Theros diligently writing down the Pali oral doctrines on Ola leaves.
As an active monastery the venue also contains ancient inscriptions, wall murals and artwork on cave ceilings. The central cave also boasts a 10m long statue of Lord Buddha in a reclining pose as well as sculptures of Lord Buddha in a seated position and standing posture. Those who climb to the top of the dagoba will be treated to stunning views of the country's North Central Province littered with rocky escarpments and lush plains that stretch across the horizon.
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