RITIGALA MONASTERY
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The site covers an area of 24 ha and includes a monastic and troglodytic complex built on the mountain. The monastery and its annexes were founded in the 3rd century BC by a group of hermit monks. Except for a few shabby granite Buddha statues in a number of caves, the monastery has none of the traditional Buddhist temple icons: no bo tree, no stupa. The complex was home to a group of ascetic Buddhist monks called Pansukulikas (rag robes), dedicated to extreme austerity in the hope of achieving enlightenment. The monastery has several notable buildings:
The reservoir: the perimeter of this huge polygonal reservoir measures 366 meters. it is said to have been dug during the reign of King Pandukabhaya (437-367 BC). Because of its location even before the entrance to the monastery, its use would have been to allow pilgrims and visitors to perform a ritual bath before entering the premises. The reservoir is crossed by a river which supplied it with water. Visitors would walk along it clockwise and reach the other side of the river.
The hospital: among the remains still visible are those of an ancient hospital and facilities for making herbal medicines, a field in which the monks particularly excelled. We can still see a bathtub used for Ayurvedic baths, as well as stones used to reduce roots and herbs to powder.
The double platforms: about fifty terraces are visible in Ritigala. On each of them, a double platform was built. They were probably surmounted by buildings housing meditation cells and other spaces devoted to common rites and teachings. Each of these platforms is oriented east-west and a stone bridge connects each pair. These platforms are typical of forest hermitages like that of Ritigala.
The traffic circles: the paved path is crossed by traffic circles visible at each intersection. These are large slabs forming a circle from which two or more paths start.
The reserve of Ritigala, where the monastery and its remains are located, has been classified as a protected area since 1941. A visit with a guide can be useful, as no information is provided on the site. Located in the middle of the forest, it is also an opportunity to walk in the lush nature, and maybe even see wild elephants.