Mihintale’s Hidden Gem: The Mysterious Wasammale (Chitra Gala) Archaeological Site

While Mihintale is widely celebrated as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, few know about its lesser-known archaeological treasure—Wasammale, also called Chitra Gala (Art Rock). Tucked away in dense forests, this site holds ancient cave paintings and remnants of a forgotten past, waiting to be explored.


The Discovery of Chitra Gala

Located about 2.5 km from Mihintale Junction, near the Rajarata University sports ground, lies a secluded stone hillock. Locals refer to it as "Wasunmale" or "Wasammale", but its most intriguing name is Chitra Gala, meaning "Art Rock."

The story of its discovery begins in 1988, when a farmer searching for his cattle stumbled upon a massive 800-meter-long rock formation. On its slope, he found four caves, one of which bore ancient paintings—now fading but still holding secrets of Sri Lanka’s past.

The Mysterious Cave Paintings

Inside the largest cave, a 20-foot-long and 15-foot-high mural once adorned the walls. Sadly, time and neglect have erased much of it, but two striking images remain:

🐍 Two Cobra Figures – Originally, these serpents were coiled around a monk, though the monk’s image has since faded. One cobra may even have multiple hoods, suggesting a mythical or divine connection.

👑 A Graceful Seated Woman – Below the cobras, a woman sits elegantly on a small asana (seat), her waist draped in a style reminiscent of Sigiriya’s frescoes. She holds something in her left hand, possibly linked to a cobra motif above her. Some scholars believe she could be a cobra maiden or a deity.

A Link to Ancient Buddhist Traditions

According to Professor Ariya Lagamuwa, an archaeology expert from Rajarata University, these paintings likely date back to the 6th-7th centuries. They may depict a scene from Naga (cobra) mythology or a Bodhisattva legend, as Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism flourished during this era.

Interestingly, a 10th-century inscription by King Mihindu IV mentions shrines dedicated to "Maninal Dev Duva" and "Nagendra"—possibly linked to Goddess Tara or serpent deities. Could this cave be one of those lost shrines?

A Site in Danger

Despite its historical value, Wasammale remains unprotected:
⚠ Vandalism – Visitors have defaced the ancient paintings.
⚠ No Proper Access – The path is unmarked, requiring a trek through elephant territory.
⚠ Lack of Preservation – Unlike major heritage sites, this cave has minimal security or restoration efforts.

How to Visit Wasammale

📍 Location: ~2 km from Mihintale Junction (toward Vavuniya), near Rajarata University.
🚶 Route: A sandy forest path leads left from an Archaeology Department signboard.
⚠ Warning: Wild elephants roam here—visit with caution!

Why This Site Matters

Mihintale isn’t just about Arahat Mahinda’s arrival—it’s a land of hidden monasteries, caves, and forgotten art. Wasammale (Chitra Gala) is a rare glimpse into Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist and folk traditions, blending history, art, and mythology.

A Call to Preserve Wasammale

Before these last traces of history vanish, urgent steps are needed:
🔹 Better protection from vandalism.
🔹 Official documentation and research.
🔹 Controlled tourism with guided access.

If you’re an adventurer, history lover, or Buddhist pilgrim, Wasammale is a must-visit before it’s lost to time.

Have you visited this hidden cave? Share your thoughts below!


THE AUTHOR BY: I.D.M.V.B.ILANGANTHILAKA 

https://www.youtube.com/@StellarPath0722

https://www.pinterest.com/wimukthibi/_pins/

https://www.youtube.com/@SkylineNook-z7y

Location: Mihintale, Sri Lanka

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