page_title: Ancient constructions of Sri Lanka
section_title: Cave Temples of ancient Sri Lanka
hierarchical_section_title: Ancient constructions of Sri Lanka / Cave Temples of ancient Sri Lanka
caption_attribution_description: English: Buddha statues and stupa in Dambulla cave temple, Sri Lanka Français&#160;: Statues du Bouddha et stupa dans une des grottes du temple d'or de Dambulla, Sri Lanka
context_page_description: The ancient Sinhalese excelled in the construction of tanks or reservoirs, dagobas and palaces in Sri Lanka, as evident from the ruins which displays a rich variety of architectural forms.
context_section_description: Cave temples had been used in Sri Lanka since ancient times, fine examples if these include the magnificent cave temple complex in Dambulla built by king Valagamba. Cave temples has preserved some of the best examples of Sinhalese art and Sinhalese architecture. In the years gone by of monarchy rule in ancient Sri Lanka the rock cave shelters cloistered in the recess of the forests served the recluse Buddhist monks in performing their meditation chores and other religious observances. Such cave hermitages were patronised by the ruling kings of the time, chieftains and the people as well. As the years passed, such cave shelters turned into len viharas (cave temples) and len avasas (abodes of Buddhist monks). Such len (cave shelters), were donated by kings, queens and other royalty and nobility. Foremost among such noble chieftains were the paramukas (chieftain of royal rank holding multiple designations).
  Vessagiri
  Dambulla Rock Temple
  Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara
  Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple
  Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara
  Bogoda and Dowa cave temples
  Kinihiri Kanda Temple
caption: Buddha statues in Dambulla Rock Temple
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