The Forgotten Footsteps of the Buddha in Sri Lanka

Introduction

Sri Lanka is long known as the final sanctuary and flourishing ground of Theravāda Buddhism. But beyond its ancient temples and monastic ruins lies a growing school of thought that challenges conventional narratives — suggesting that the life events of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, may have occurred not in India but in the island of Lanka itself. This blog post explores five enigmatic and spiritually significant sites across Sri Lanka that some believe mark the true path of the Buddha — from his birth to enlightenment, his first teaching, and finally, Parinirvana.

1. Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya, Theldeniya – The Birthplace of Siddhartha

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Tucked away in the scenic Dumbara Valley near Theldeniya lies the ancient cave temple of Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya. This secluded site, surrounded by monsoon forests, is believed by local traditions to be the true birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. The temple complex features the Indashala Cave — a sacred chamber containing Brahmi inscriptions dating back over 2000 years.

Unlike the more commercialized Lumbini in Nepal, Bambaragala offers a tranquil and deeply meditative setting, where spiritual seekers often speak of a palpable stillness. Local belief ties the site to legends of the young Siddhartha’s early encounters with the world, as well as to the story of Buddha subduing the demon Alawaka.

Key Features: Ancient rock inscriptions, mural paintings, and natural meditation caves.
Spiritual Significance: Believed by some to be the true Lumbini.

Read: Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya – The Lost Birthplace of the Buddha?

2. Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage – The Place of Enlightenment

Located near Habarana, the forest monastery of Hiriwadunna is a serene retreat, shrouded by ancient trees and filled with the sounds of nature. At its heart lies a sacred Bodhi tree, and beneath it, a stone Vajrasana — the ‘diamond throne’ — thought to be the seat where Siddhartha attained enlightenment.

Recent local studies and the testimonies of monks suggest that this spot may hold deeper historical importance than previously assumed. Unlike Bodh Gaya in India, Hiriwadunna is a living hermitage, unspoiled by heavy tourism, and continues to be a site of deep meditation.

Key Features: Stone throne (Vajrasana), ancient Bodhi tree, forest silence.
Spiritual Significance: Proposed as the true Bodh Gaya.

Read: Hiriwadunna: The Lost Site of Enlightenment?

3. Budhugala – The Place of Parinirvana

Little-known even to many Sri Lankans, Budhugala is revered by some as the site where the Buddha passed into Parinirvana. While the exact location remains subject to oral tradition and limited archaeological attention, Budhugala remains a powerful symbol of the sacred cycle of the Buddha’s life.

The name itself — “Budhugala” — suggests a deep-rooted reverence, and local monks maintain that the site holds ancient relics and spiritual vibrations unique to a place of passing.

Key Features: Ancient relic mounds, remote jungle location.
Spiritual Significance: Believed to be the true Kushinagar.

4. Ritigala Jethawanarama – A Forest Monastery Beyond Time

Ritigala, located between Habarana and Anuradhapura, is a monastic complex built along the slopes of a mist-cloaked mountain. Though primarily recognized for its ascetic forest monks, Ritigala is also linked by some researchers and devotees to the legendary Jethawanarama of ancient Lanka.

Here, the architecture is silent yet majestic: stone bridges, bathing ponds, medicinal houses (Janthaghara), and meditation platforms all speak of a deeply contemplative civilization. Some claim that this was a major teaching and healing center during Buddha’s time in Sri Lanka.

Key Features: Monastic ruins, stone pathways, forest seclusion.
Spiritual Significance: Believed to be a teaching and healing site.

5. Isinbessa Gala, Hiriwadunna – The First Sermon

Near the Bodhiraja Hermitage lies Isinbessa Gala — known locally as the site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The name “Isinbessa” translates roughly to “rock where the sages descended,” implying a long-standing spiritual significance.

Surrounded by forest and local lore, this rocky outcrop is revered by villagers and pilgrims alike. According to the Sri Saddharmaya records, it was here that the Wheel of Dharma was first set in motion in Lanka.

Key Features: Elevated rock plateau, serene atmosphere.
Spiritual Significance: Proposed site of the Buddha’s first sermon.

Conclusion: Reimagining the Sacred Map

These sites are more than footnotes in speculative history — they are living places of devotion, still resonating with the footsteps of monks, the chants of pilgrims, and the whispers of ancient trees. Whether or not one fully embraces the theory that Buddha’s life unfolded on Sri Lankan soil, these locations offer an invitation to experience the Dharma through a different lens — one rooted in the mystical landscapes of Lanka.

If you are a spiritual seeker, a lover of untold history, or a pilgrim looking for paths less travelled, these sites may hold a deeper truth waiting to be discovered.

Suggested Pilgrimage Route:

Birth: Bambaragala, Theldeniya
Enlightenment: Hiriwadunna Bodhi Tree
First Teaching: Isinbessa Gala
Teaching & Healing: Ritigala Jethawanarama
Parinirvana: Budhugala

Plan Your Journey. Discover the Lost Homeland.