Photo: Astronomyinertia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsRidi Vihara (Silver Temple)
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Historic cave monastery built into a silver-bearing rock ridge; houses ancient rock-cut stupas, carved ivory doorways, and Dutch Delft ceramic tiles.
Why it matters
The site where silver ore was discovered in the 2nd century BCE, funding the construction of the Great (Ruwanwelisaya) at Anuradhapura.
Description
Founded by King Dutugamunu; thoroughly restored in the 18th century by Kirti Sri Rajasinha, who gifted royal Dutch Biblical ceramic tiles to the cave shrine. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Dutugamunu, King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. Key features to look for: Pancha Nari Gata carved ivory doorway to the inner shrine; Dutch Biblical ceramic tiles lining the altar plinth; Gold-plated seated Buddha statue presented by King Dutugamunu; Waraka Welandu miniature stone cave temple.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazette No. 1043
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.