Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fortSigiriya.
It is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara is goes back beyond to the first and second century BC.[3] From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery and but became a prominent 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 were medidated there were requested move to the nearby Pidurangala.[4] In a sort of compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a prominent place.
