Beligala Rock Citadel
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Cliff-top fortress rock summit where King Vijayabahu III built a fortified sanctuary to protect the Sacred Tooth Relic during the Kalinga Magha invasion.
Why it matters
The guardian rock fortress that sheltered the Sacred Tooth and Bowl Relics during the 13th-century crisis.
Description
Following the devastation of Polonnaruwa, the Tooth Relic was secretly brought to this sheer summit and guarded until Dambadeniya was secured. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Vijayabahu III. Key features to look for: Sheer vertical rock column towering over the surrounding jungle; Ancient stone water-cisterns carved into the rock summit; Rock-cut steps and post-holes for ancient defensive gateways; Traces of the foundation perimeter of the Tooth Relic temple.
Photos
No rights-cleared photographs yet.
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Antiquities Schedule 02
Visiting responsibly
Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.