Sri Lanka is blessed with so many archaeological sites of historical and cultural importance that the visitor is spoilt for choice. While the expansive ruins of the ancient cities have a grandeur difficult to surpass, there are lesser-known sites that have an ambience all of their own. Tis frequently stems from the fact that they lie off the beaten track, are on a smaller scale, and are encircled and even encroached upon by jungle.
One such site is the monastic complex on the lower slopes of Ritigala-kanda - the Ritigala Mountain - 21km north of Habarana on the Anuradhapura road. These ruins are some of the most distinctive the island has to offer. The Buddhist dagobas and statuary of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are absent. lnstead, the monastery consists of meditation platforms and walkways in perfect harmony with the huge boulders, noble trees, and burbling streams of the environment. That these unadorned yet inspiring ruins are situated at Ritigala, a mountain steeped in legend and mystery,adds to their attraction.
The most notable legend stems from the great indian epic poem, the Ramayana. it tells how Hanuman, the warrior monkey-god, came to Lank in search of Load Rama's wife, Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, the king of demons. After Hanuman had tracked down Ravana to his stronghold, he used the Ritigala Mountain to take a great leap to South india in order to convey the news to Lord Rama.
The path leading to the monastic complex proper displays extraordinary craftsmanship, being laid with interlocking ashlar(irregular slabs of hewn stone) in patterns of two, three and four. in addition, it is edged with proportionate kerbstones. There are three places that incorporate a circular platform circumscribed by curvilinear slabs of stone. These remarkable features were probably resting-places.
At the end of the path are ruins of mounastic facilities scattered about the forested slope such as a small hospital with stone beds and basin- like stone oil baths. Also, there is an impressive meditation walk some 36 paces long, terminated at each end by tow perpendicular shields of stone.
The remains of extraordinary buildings known as double-platforms. which are characteristic of foerst monasteries, are evident too. A stone bridge connects two raised platforms, created by building retaining walls on the slope. one platform is rectangular and appears to have been open to the elements, while the other is square and was quite likely roofed and divided into eight or nine room. R.B
image Ritigala LOCATION
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| RITIGALA |
ADMISSION
Sigiriya: Open 7am-5pm. Overseas visitors: adults-
us
adults- Rs 20,children under 6- Rs10
PIDURANGALA
Anytime. Overseas visitors: Rs500.
Sri lanka: Rs300
RITIGALA: Anytime. No admission fee
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