64 rock inscriptions found in Giribawa

Polgahawela group corr

Haththicuchchi near Galgamuwa is associated with many legends prior to the establishment of the Kurunegala Kingdom. Recently, 64 rock inscriptions were found in Giribawa, close to Galgamuwa.

Excavators expect to discover more inscriptions in the area. It is of importance, that Haththicuchchi is probably the only place in the world where a large number of rock inscriptions are found within a small area.

They can be prepared in chronological order as a series starting from the era B.C. to the Kandyan era. The excavators have found the inscriptions with the name ‘Rajangana’ and thus the place was named Haththicuchchi.

There are many archaeological remains within an area of 300 acres. Ruins of a conference hall, small temple, three storeyed reliquary, watadage, eight dagabas an alms hall, oval shaped hall, 16 ponds, 30 caves with cisterns, an 18 cubit Buddha statue belonging to the Kandyan era, were found during the excavations.

King Aggabodhi I (571-604) and Aggabodhi VI (772-777) built monasteries during this era. King Aggabodhi IX (831-833) had rehabilitated these palaces.

Two historical accounts from ‘Sahassavattu pakarana’ and ‘Visuddhi Marga Maha Sannaya’ define historical conditions of this temple. Pussadewa, a minister and the son of sister of King Saddatissa (137-119 BC) went to Girigrama and domiciled there with Princess Sumanadevi. They heard about the pleasant condition of this Temple and visited the monks in Haththicuchchi. They worshipped at the temple and offered alms to the monks and nuns and were convinced of their behaviour and Buddhism.

They then went to meet bhikkhu Mahadewa, and entered the Order. Later he was named as Katakandarawasi Pussadewa Thera. (Sahaswattupakarana - compiled by Agga Maha Panditha Buddha Datta Nayaka Thera - First Edition - Colombo page 115) Visuddi Marga Maha Sannaya points out that Haththicuchchi is a beautiful place filled with hermitages, ponds, rock temples and flower gardens.