Pidurangala Temple
Pidurangala is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was built on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fort Sigiriya.
It has a long history which goes back beyond to the first and second century BC. From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery and but became a prominent secret place during the reign of King Kashyapa (473 - 495 AC).
According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa had killed his father King Dhatusena and fled to Sigiriya to find out a more secure place to prevent retaliation attacks from his half-brother, Mugalan. With the arrival of King Kashyapa, the Bhikkus who meditated there were asked move to the nearby Pidurangala. In a sort of compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a prominent place.