Paurukanda Punchi Sripada
Although the midday sun was falling on our heads, we started our pilgrimage
to the Punchi Sripada at Paurukanda at Halwala, a village in the Walallawita
Divisional Secretary’s division in the Kalutara district.
A few villagers of Halwala joined us to climb, the beautiful hill Paurukanda
which is about 510 feet above sea level, it is covered with vegetation.
Our aim was to reach the summit and pay homage to the footprint of the
Buddha and also visit other historical places at Paurukanda.
The flight of steps |
The history of Paurukanda goes back to Polonnaruwa
era. According to the Mahavamsa, after defeating the enemy forces
king Wickramabahu fled to Pasyodunrata with his brothers Kirthisrimegha
and Sri Wallabha. It is believed that they took refuge at Paurukanda
which was a natural fortress because its summit had been surrounded
by a stone wall.
Therefore, it had been aptly called as ‘Paurukanda’. ‘Paurukanda Vihara
is atop Paurukanda.
The footprint of the Buddha had been engraved on a stone at the summit
of the hill. So, Paurukanda is knows as Punchi Sripada. There are two paths
to climb the hill. One of the paths is better than the other because it
goes through scenic surroundings.
A stone flight of steps leads to the summit. The upward journey is not
tiresome because the path is shaded by trees. You naturally get a wonderful
feeling of peace and serenity when you climb the hill. Even the environment
is tranquil except for the sound of birds in flight.
It takes about 40 minutes to climb Punchi Sripada. The summit was a plane
area with a few structures such as the stupa, the shrine room, the carved
footprint of the Buddha and the Bo tree.
A view of the cave |
The ancient shrine room adorned with murals enhances the beauty of the
place, which is an archaeological site. Viharadhipathi Mavita Somaloka
Thera said that a visitor could see murals belonging to three eras. Vandals
and treasure hunters have destroyed some parts of the Buddha statue. Even
the ancient statue of God Vishnu found in the shrine room has been vandalised.
However, it has been renovated recently.
The footprint of the Buddha, had been carved on an isolated rock in 1838.
It is found in front of the shrine room. The stupa is unique because it
has been built on a stone structure.
A large cave is found away from the vihara. The cave can accommodate about
400 pilgrims. It is believed that king Manabharana had lived there.
The carved footprint of the Buddha |
The villagers believe that the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha also had
been hidden in the cave. It is believed that there had been a stone canoe
among the archaeological remains at the place. But today no one knows the
exact place where it was found.
The hill and the surroundings are rich in rare medicinal plants, animals
and birds. But the Viharadhipathi said some unscrupulous elements are felling
valuable trees and destroying the natural beauty of the place.
Route to Pavurukanda Viharaya
This Vihara can be reached from Galatara, on Awittawa road, taking a turn
from Matugama road to Aluthgama – Horawala road.
Created : November 5, 2011
Updated :
November 5, 2011
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