Sacred Sankhapala Ancient Temple - Ratnapura Sri Lanka

Sankhapala Ancient Temple beautiful Buddhist temple with historical significance, located in the Pallebedda area of ​​Ratnapura district in Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka.

Consisting of natural rock caves, past constructions, and currently built Temples, this Sankhapala Rajamaha Vihara Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple with a history dating back to the BC era. Many ancient inscriptions, artifacts various ancient constructions have been found in the Sankhapala temple as well as in the temple area.

The history of this Sankhapala temple is related to the period of King Dutugemunu, who was a great king who reigned in Sri Lanka around 161-137 BC. Historical sources mention ten people with special abilities known as the Ten Giants who were in King Dutugemunu's army. Among these ten great giants, the one known as "Phussadeva" lived in the area where the present Sankhapala temple is located. During the war between King Dutugemunu and the South Indian invader Elara, it is stated in the historical information that it was the duty of Phussadeva Yodha to inform the subjects of King Dutugemunu's military victories.

According to legends and historical information, the giant Phussadeva used a couch shell to inform his subjects of King Dutugemunu's military victories. It is said in history that Phussadeva Giant had a special ability to blow the conch shell in such a way that it could be heard from a long distance.

The conch shell used by the giant Phussadeva in the war between King Dutugemunu and the South Indian invader Elara is buried in the rock where the present Sankhapala temple is located hence the name "Sankhapala" has been given to the area and the temple. The historical information related between Sankhapala Temple and Phussadeva Giant is confirmed by the mention of the name Phussadeva in the inscriptions found in Sankhapala Temple and its surrounding area as well as an archaeological monument which is considered to be the tomb of Phussadeva Giant.

Sankhapala temple is a beautiful sacred place with a very attractive natural location.

There is a Buddha statue and a Bodhi tree near the entrance to the temple. Model construction of the historical stone temple of Polonnaruwa can be seen to the south of the entrance. As you proceed along the steps, there is a Buddha Mandir with a reclining Buddha statue and another Buddha Mandir built at the foot of the rock. 

Passing the Buddha Mandir and going up the cliff, one can see the beautiful pagoda located on the top of the cliff. The top of the rock on which the pagoda is located has a beautiful view of the surrounding environment and the place is serene.

Apart from this, the Sankhapala temple also has several temples built for the deities. These Devala temples include Sumana Saman Devalaya Temple, Kataragama Devalaya Temple, Pattini Devalaya Temple, Vishnu Devalaya  Temple, and Gambhara Devalaya Temple. Among these temple temples, the main one is the temple where pujas are held for the God of Kataragama.

Also, the Sankhapala temple has an annual Perahera festival which consists of various cultural dances and elephants. The procession festival is held in August and October of the year.

Roads to Sankhapala Temple

This Sankhapala temple is located in the Pallebedda area when traveling towards Embilipitiya on the A18 main road from Ratnapura city to Galle and Matara areas.

Sankhapala Vihara is easily accessible as it is located near the main road. Sankhapala Temple, located approximately 56 kilometers from Ratnapura City, has become a frequent destination for tourists visiting the southern regions of Sri Lanka, especially via Ratnapura.

Other Tourist Destinations near Sankapala

• Udawalawe National Park Safari 
• Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
• Chandrika lake, Udawalawe Embilipitiya 
• Maduwanwela walawwa Ancient Home