There are several other Pattini temples of historical value near the Pattini temple in Nawagamuwa. Kaduwela Rankadu Pattini temple, Korathota Pattini temple and Amgugama Pattini cave temple take a major place.
In these temples, Perahara festivals are also held for Mother Pattini.
Today I am going to talk about the Pattini cave in Amgugama.
It is clear that this place has received state patronage from the kings more than the Pattini temple in Nawagamuwa. The reason for this is that the temple on the ground of the cave was also started during the reign of the king.
Embulgama Raja Maha ViharayaAmgugama Pattini cave
Amgugama Pattini cave is located on the top of a hill.
Although this sacred place is known as Amgugama Rajamaha Vihara in the past, it is clear from the study of the old books that different names were used for this place in the past.
This temple has been known as Kailasakuta Pabbata, Ambili Grama Vehera, Ambulpasa Vehera, Ambilla Vehera, Ambulhelu Viharaya, Rathgal Vehera etc.
Embulgama Raja Maha ViharayaIt is mentioned in the legends that Pattini was meditating in the cave located on the Amgugama mountain after her journey to Navagamuwa while on a foot trip along the Kelani River.
Pattini Deva’s annals mention that Pattini traveled from Navagamu to various places from time to time. Ambulgama, Medagodaella, Toranakada, Dekatana. Namalwawa, Balangoda Kirindigala, Kirialle Falls, etc. are the main places.
Embulgama Raja Maha ViharayaMother Pattini
However, the cave where Mother Pattini traveled from Navagamu to Amgugama for meditation is still known as Pattini Cave. There is a Pattini temple in that cave and a statue of the mother is also placed there.
In the past, there was a big oak tree in this place and it is said that there was a big cobra inside a big trunk of that tree.
Generally, the presence of cobras is a common sight in places where there is a Pattini temple and there are still people who have witnessed the presence of cobras in the nagas of Nawagamuwa.
It is said that even though the tree of this mountain was destroyed, the cobra did not leave the place and is still seen today.
When you go to the mountain where this place is located, you can see mind-blowing views. Sri Pada mountain range, Colombo city, Varaya, Kelani river and various mountain ranges are visible from this mountain.
This Pattini cave is about 31 feet long. It is also mentioned in some stories that Mother Pattini came directly from India and meditated in this cave.
Embulgama Raja Maha ViharayaDharma Pradipika
In the books Mahavamsaya and Dharma Pradipika, it is mentioned that Chullanaga Maharahat preached the Dhajagga Sutra at Ratgal Vehere (Ambulgama Vehere) and that 1200 monks, as many as gods and as many as a cow, participated in it.
Agbo king
It is mentioned in Papancha Sudani that Maharahanta Maliyadeva also lived here in 500 BC.
In AD 568, the 1st Agbo king offered the revenue of Amgupasa Vehere to Anuradhapura Maha Vihara, and the 5th King Mihidu offered the revenue at Mihintale.
It is mentioned in the chronicles that the 3rd King Vijayaba built the temple.
Also, there are three main caves in this Pattini cave temple. One cave has an inscription but it is completely closed. It is also mentioned that there was a tunnel from this place to the Kelani river.
It is said that the 6th king Parakramabahu built this tunnel to organize the army.
According to the history of the temple, King Rajasingha also made a tunnel to the Kelani river from the place where the Amgugama Pattini cave is located.
Embulgama Raja Maha ViharayaKing Parakramabahu
In 1415, King Parakramabahu the 6th of Kotte consecrated the Halvakkada Kumburu Yayak in Navagamu, which is not far from the Pattini Temple in Navagamu, to the Amgugama Vehera.
Sundala Purnika also mentions that this place is the headquarters of Angampora martial arts.
Mr. Kaushalya Siriweera Pattini Kapu says that this historical Pattini cave temple is a temple full of relics and it is believed that Mother Pattini is still alive in this place.
