NO. 40. — 1890.] KURUNEGALA ROCKS. 



403 



places, and lined with draliya trees in full blossom, with 

 here and there a kinihiriya* displaying its pretty pale yellow 

 flowers to advantage. A splendid view of the flat country 

 on either side of the rock can be had from here, with the 

 hills clothed with verdure in the far distance. 



Two long basins, formed in the cleft of the rock, contain- 

 ing water, with the lotus in flower floating on its surface, 

 are passed as one proceeds along the rocky path. Near these 

 are the remains of a dagaba and a stone slab which once 

 formed part of a shrine. 



Ahas-lena. 



The site of the dagaba is marked by a pit, whence the buried 

 treasures have been removed. 



A few yards thence is a small bo-tree, surrounded by loose 

 rocks arranged in the form of a square with a niche for 

 offerings, and close to it is the site of a bana maduwa, or 

 preaching hall. Beyond this is a room built under an over- 

 hanging boulder of rock, once used as a dewala, dedicated, 

 it is said, to Galebandara Dewiyo. Opposite stands an old 

 bo-tree with the usual shrine for offerings. A run down a 

 flight of steps, a walk of a few fathoms over a flat space of 

 ground, and the sight of another flight of steps, makes one 

 look inquiringly upwards, when the temple and the rock 

 suspended over it burst into view, and for a moment strike 

 the spectator with awe ! A massive boulder with apparently 

 nothing to support it, save the vihare and other buildings 

 peeping from underneath it, it has very aptly been designated 

 Ahas-lena, a cave suspended in the air ! 



Similar, though smaller, rocks stand in the neighbourhood, 

 forming caves with projecting roofs, and capable of conver- 

 sion into rooms or houses by the addition of a wall and door 

 to form a frontage. 



The original temple is said to have been built at the same 

 time as that at tlrupakada, in the reign of King Devanampiya- 

 tissa. Being abandoned, it fell into ruin. It has since 



* Oochlospernum g-ossypium, B.C. 



