PINNACLE ROCK CAVE, Tiriyai

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An ancient cave hermitage dating back to very early Buddhist times. There is a Brahmin inscription [rock art: epigraphy] on the brow of the cave and some other strange stone formations (note 1), possibly in limestone (note 2). Compare –>Tiriyai Cave. ETYMOLOGY: The Pinnacle rock, called Vilatti Malai in Tamil (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974:?, 1984: 119) is also known as Vilatti Malai in Tamil and Nachchiya malai (FERNANDO 2003). SITUATION: Somewhere the vicinity of Tiriyai (note 3), southwards of Kuchchaveli [N08°49': E081°06'] and visible from the northern shore of the ferry, stands the unmistakable profile of Pinnacle Rock [note 4] … Near the summit of the hill is an ancient cave hermitage … (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974:?, 1984: 119). CULTURAL HISTORY - Human use: Hugh Neville in Taprobanian suggests that this is one of the Island's most ancient places of worship and connects it interestingly with similar styles of worship in very far-flung places. (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1983: 119). APPROACH 197: South of Kuchchaveli (N08°49': E081°06'): A most convenient way to reach this out-of-the-ordinary site is to hire a vallam, an outriggerless dug-out canoe, from the fishing settlement at the Salappai Aru ferry [note 5]. The journey -- one way -- is about four miles through fascinating mangrove swamp and heavy, bird-filled jungle (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974 edited 1984: 120) APPROACH 2003: The 25 kilometre jungle track to Tiriyaya [N08°52': E081°01'] was irresistible to us. This was our second trip. It was not so long ago that it was inaccessible to civilians and now it seemed it had opened its vistas luring many into its wilds. Passing Nilaweli [Nilaweli] and a few other small hamlets, the security check points warned us that we were travelling into the hidden heart of Lanka along its eastern sea line rarely broken by the mark of man. However, the once deserted migrant fishing hamlets seemed to be awakening. There were more huts and more people than during our last visit. … Howeer, to explore these strange places is not yet possible due to tight security. In fact it is almost a shock to realise the fragility of the peace which we enjoy along the roads of Colombo when we pass through the heavily guarded and constantly patrolled jungle tracks. At all times you may be sure to find soldiers watching you almost hidden amongst the trees (FERNANDO 2003).: South of Kuchchaveli (N08°49': E081°06'): A most convenient way to reach this out-of-the-ordinary site is to hire a vallam, an outriggerless dug-out canoe, from the fishing settlement at the Salappai Aru ferry [note 5]. The journey -- one way -- is about four miles through fascinating mangrove swamp and heavy, bird-filled jungle (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974 edited 1984: 120) APPROACH 2003: The 25 kilometre jungle track to Tiriyaya [N08°52': E081°01'] was irresistible to us. This was our second trip. It was not so long ago that it was inaccessible to civilians and now it seemed it had opened its vistas luring many into its wilds. Passing Nilaweli [Nilaweli] and a few other small hamlets, the security check points warned us that we were travelling into the hidden heart of Lanka along its eastern sea line rarely broken by the mark of man. However, the once deserted migrant fishing hamlets seemed to be awakening. There were more huts and more people than during our last visit. … Howeer, to explore these strange places is not yet possible due to tight security. In fact it is almost a shock to realise the fragility of the peace which we enjoy along the roads of Colombo when we pass through the heavily guarded and constantly patrolled jungle tracks. At all times you may be sure to find soldiers watching you almost hidden amongst the trees (FERNANDO 2003).