RIDI VIHARA: PAHALA VIHARA

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

Although not on the usual beaten track, it's well worth a visit to see its wonderful frescoes [in the -upper- –>Uda Vihare] and the unusual Dutch (Delft) tiles in the [lower Pahala Vihara] main cave (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255).ETYMOLOGY: Ridi Vihara, literally the 'Silver Temple', is so named because it was here that silver ore was discovered in the 2nd century BC (LONELY PLANET 2003: 254). SITUATION: Ridi Vihara lies south of the Highway A6 from Kurunegala (note 1) generally north-east to Dambulla (note 2). APPROACH: If you are coming from Kurunegala, the turn-off to Ridigama village [note 3] is on your right [east] just past Ibbagamuwa village [note 4]. The temple is about 2 km from Ridigama via Temple Junction. Buses run between Kurunegala and Ridigama village approximately every 45 minutes. From the village you can take a three-wheeler to the temple (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255). CAVE DESCRIPTION: Put up in the … main cave, called the Pahala Vihara (Lower Temple) is a gold-plated tatue of Buddha, secure in a special case (see below: cave legend), and a 9 m recumbent [reclining statue of] Buddha that rests on a platform decorated with a series of blue-and-white tiles, which where a gift from a Dutch consul [note 5]. Here you can see what remains of a beautiful piece of ivory carving over the lintel. Unfortunately, this and other pieces of art have been subject to vandalism over the years (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255). CULTURAL HISTORY - religious folklore: Legend has it that King Dutugemunu, who reigned in the 2nd century BC, lacked the funds to finish an important dagoba in Anuradhapura. The discovery of silver or at the place now known as Ritigama allowed him to complete the work, and as a token of his gratitude he decided to establish a temple in the cave where the ore was allegedly discovered, and to put in this cave a gold-plated statue of the Buddha (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255). CAVE LIFE: The huge boulder that looms over the whole temple complex is attractive t the local wild bee population [potentially lethal Apis dorsata]; you can see their nests bulging below the overhang. It's said that those who enter the temple with impure hearts will get stung, so watch out (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255). the local wild bee population [potentially lethal Apis dorsata]; you can see their nests bulging below the overhang. It's said that those who enter the temple with impure hearts will get stung, so watch out (LONELY PLANET 2003: 255).