Aluvihare Rock Temple

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The Aluvihare Rock Temple: An Historical Overview

The Aluvihare Rock Temple, known also as the Matale Alu Viharaya, is a sacred site of immense cultural and historical significance situated in Sri Lanka. Locating this temple within the historical timeline, it is discernible that the premises gained prominence during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC), though the temple’s foundational origins are not precisely recorded in historical accounts.

The Role of Aluvihare in Buddhist Scripture

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is notably recognized for its pivotal role in the transcription of Buddhist scriptures into written texts. Prior to the transcription, the Tripitaka – comprising of the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka – was traditionally transmitted orally. It was in the 1st century BC, during the reign of King Valagamba (also known as Vattagamani Abhaya, who ruled from 103 BC to 89 BC and from 89 BC to 77 BC), that the Tripitaka was committed to writing. This monumental undertaking was undertaken during a period of turmoil and resurgence, after the king regained control following a period of exile due to an invasion led by the Dravidian kingdoms from South India.

Architectural and Artistic Aspects of Aluvihare

From an architectural perspective, the Aluvihare Rock Temple comprises a series of rock caves which have been converted into shrine rooms. These chambers are adorned with intricate murals, depicting events from the Buddha’s life, as well as images from the Buddhist hell. Given the significant passage of time, the murals and statues have undergone renovations owing to decay. Historical records demarcate the most extensive of these renovations as occurring during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha, who ruled from 1747 AD to 1782 AD.

Contemporary Relevance and Preservation

In contemporary times, Aluvihare has become integral not only as a historical and religious site but also as a tourist destination. Its importance extends to the education and dissemination of Theravada Buddhism, while also showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural and artistic heritage. It is considered a symbol of resiliency and continuity of the Buddhist tradition, especially in the context of maintaining the purity of the Buddha’s teachings against threats and decay. The preservation of the temple, including renovations and restorations, reflect ongoing efforts to maintain its structural integrity and historical significance.

Aluvihare’s Place in Sinhalese Literature

The significance of Aluvihare is also echoed through various contributions to Sinhalese literature. It is credited with the first instances where the Pali canon was wholly translated into Sinhalese, thus enabling the expansion of Buddhism among the common populace and securing its place in the social and cultural fabric of Sri Lanka. The temple’s scriptural importance continues to be acknowledged through its role in the education and ordination of Buddhist monks who study its texts diligently.

Conclusion

Through its long-standing history as the bastion of Theravada Buddhism’s textual heritage, as the site where oral traditions were carefully transcribed into written records, and its resilience as a center of Buddhist education and ordination, the Aluvihare Rock Temple stands as a testament to the enduring nature of cultural and religious traditions. Its role in the Theravada Buddhist tradition is not to be understated, and it remains a significant touchstone in the study of Sri Lanka’s rich historical and religious tapestry.

Sources:

Wikipedia