Hidden deep in the jungles near Sri Pada lies a sacred cave where the Buddha is believed to have rested after leaving his footprint on Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak).
Batathota Lena, also known as Batatotalena Cave or Diwa Guhawa (Day Cave), is an ancient and sacred Buddhist cave temple located near Kuruwita in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. Once hidden deep inside the jungle and forgotten for many years, this cave has now become an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Many Buddhists believe this cave is Diwa Guhawa, one of the sixteen sacred places (Solosmahasthana) where Lord Buddha stayed after visiting Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak).
Why Batathota Lena is Worth a Visit
The Vibe: A spiritual sanctuary inside a massive mountain cave. Known as “Diva Guhava,” this is where Lord Buddha is believed to have rested after visiting Sri Pada.
Top Highlight: The 21-cubit reclining Buddha and the Manduka Vila (Frog Pond) fed by natural mountain drips.
Best For: Pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a scenic hike with a spiritual reward.
Important Tip: Look out from the cave entrance on a clear day to see a perfect view of Sri Pada. Dress modestly for the temple.
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How to Reach Batathota Lena
To visit Batathota Lena, you must travel about 7 km along the narrow Erathna–Kuruwita road, which leads towards Sri Pada.
From this road, you reach Batathota Junction, then continue for about 500 meters to the foot of Batathota Mountain.
Just follow the Google map below to the marked location.
Parking & Access to the Cave Temple 🚗
Parking Facilities 🅿️
- Parking is available near the temple, so you don’t need to worry about your vehicle.
- On Poya days, there is enough space to manage the crowd.
- On normal days, the area is very calm and peaceful.
- Around 3 cars and several bikes can be parked close to the temple entrance.
Small Shops on the Way 🛍️
- From the car park to the temple entrance, you will see many small shops.
- You can buy:
- 🌸 Flowers for offerings
- 🎁 Souvenirs
- 🧸 Small toys
- These shops add a nice local feel to the visit.
🙏 The walk from the parking area to the temple is short, easy, and pleasant, making your visit relaxed and stress-free.
Walk to the Cave Temple 🛕
From here, you need to climb up to the cave temple. 🌿
The walk is calm and peaceful, surrounded by nature, which makes the journey feel spiritual and relaxing.
🙏 In the past, this path was covered with jungle and old stone steps.
🏗️ Today, it has been fully renovated with concrete steps and a proper roof, making the climb much safer and easier for visitors.
✨ Even though the path has changed, the peaceful feeling and spiritual value of the journey remain the same.
How Batathota Lena is connected to Lord Buddha
According to Buddhist belief, Lord Buddha rested in this cave after placing his sacred footprint on Sri Pada, at the invitation of God Sumana Saman.
It is also believed that Buddha spent the rest of the day here with 500 arahants (disciples) before continuing his journey.
Because of this belief, the cave is known as Diwa Guhawa.
What’s Inside the Cave
Inside the cave, you can see:
- Seated Buddha statues
- Standing Buddha statues
- Reclining Buddha statues
- Statue of a Giant Flog
- Manduka Vila
- Statues of Gods
Most of these statues belong to the Polonnaruwa period. Over time, the statues and cave paintings have been renovated several times to preserve them.
Despite these restorations, the cave still holds a strong ancient and sacred atmosphere.
Cave Size and Location Details
Batathota Lena Cave is located in Sudagala, about 8 km from Kuruwita town.
Approximate cave size:
- Height: 15 meters
- Width: 18 meters
- Length: 25 meters
To reach the cave:
- A 400-meter hike from Sudagala
- Followed by a 50-meter climb to the entrance
There is also another partially submerged cave nearby, which
Natural Wonders of the Cave
One of the most amazing features of Batathota Lena is that water drops fall from the cave ceiling even during dry seasons.
There is also a small water pond inside the cave.
Another special feature is sunlight:
- Sunlight enters the cave from morning until evening
- On clear days, Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) can be seen from the cave area
These natural features make the cave feel truly magical.
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History of Diwa Guhawa
King Nissanka Malla and the Cave Temple
Legends say that King Nissanka Malla (1178–1207) discovered this cave accidentally while travelling to Sri Pada during the Polonnaruwa period.
After discovering its importance, he is believed to have built and developed the cave temple, giving it religious and cultural significance.
One of the most impressive features of the temple is the Makara Thorana (dragon arch), which dates back to the Polonnaruwa era. Although part of it has been renovated later by villagers, its ancient beauty can still be seen.
Rediscovery and Difficult Times
In 1908, the cave was rediscovered by Ven. Sri Subethi Thera, a learned Buddhist monk. He renovated the cave and built a devale outside the shrine.
Sadly, after his passing, the site was abandoned again and became overgrown with jungle. During this period, treasure hunters damaged and destroyed many valuable statues, causing great loss to this sacred place.
Identification as Diwa Guhawa
In 1995, the respected monk Most Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithreya Mahanayake Thera officially identified Batathota Lena as Diwa Guhawa, mentioned in Buddhist texts.
Today, visitors can clearly feel a calm, spiritual, and peaceful environment inside the cave.
Story of Diwa Guhawa / Batathota Lena 🕯️
Diwa Guhawa, also known as Batathota Lena, is a place filled with deep history, legends, and spiritual meaning. Many stories passed down through generations are connected to this sacred cave.
Lord Buddha’s Visit 🌸
According to legend:
- After placing the sacred footprint on Sri Pada, Lord Buddha returned at the invitation of Sumana Saman Dewiyo.
- On the way back, Lord Buddha arrived at this cave with 500 Arahants.
- While the Arahants were resting, pure natural water started flowing from the cave roof for them to drink.
- Amazingly, this water source still flows today, even during dry seasons 💧.
King Nissanka Malla & the Cave Temple 👑
- Later, King Nissanka Malla arrived at this cave while searching for Sri Pada.
- After discovering Sri Pada, he identified Batathota Lena as the cave where Lord Buddha had rested.
- The king then built a temple inside the cave and appointed a minister to look after it.
Tragic Story of Princess Swarnamali 👸
- The minister had a beautiful daughter named Princess Swarnamali.
- Sadly, for unknown reasons, she was brought to this place, tortured, and killed 😔.
- Because of this tragic death, she was reborn as a Yakshani (female demon) named Hansamali.
- She stayed in this cave and did not allow anyone to come near.
- It is believed that anyone who entered the cave never returned.
Intervention of Arahant Ananda Maithree Thero 🧘♂️
- Balangoda Ananda Maithree Thero, a monk believed to be on the path to Buddhahood, came to know about this demon.
- While meditating near the cave, he realised that people avoided the temple due to fear.
- With his guidance, 100 monks gathered and performed rituals to help Hansamali Yakshani transform.
- Eventually, Hansamali became a goddess instead of a demon 🙏.
Hansamali Goddess & the Sacred Nuga Tree 🌳
- The goddess requested permission to stay near the cave for 1,000 years.
- The indigenous Vedda people (Wadi Janathawa) made arrangements for her to reside in a Nuga tree near the cave.
- Even today, this sacred Nuga tree can still be seen near Diwa Guhawa 🌳.
The Mystery of the Frogs 🐸
- After some time, mysterious frogs began appearing inside the cave.
- They appeared and disappeared without any clear reason.
- Because of this, people stopped worshipping at the cave.
- Later, it was discovered that during renovations by the Department of Archaeology, a giant king frog had been accidentally killed.
- To correct this, villagers built a statue of a giant frog inside the cave and worshipped it. It’s called Manduka Vila.
- After that, the mysterious frogs stopped appearing.
- Even today, the frog statue can be seen inside the cave 🐸.
✨ Diwa Guhawa is not just a cave — it is a place where faith, legend, fear, and peace come together.
A visit here feels mysterious, spiritual, and deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s ancient beliefs.
Nearby Caves and Ancient History
About 200 meters away from Batathota Lena is another cave called Streepura. According to legend, this cave was used by the relatives of God Saman.
There is also a belief among the Veddha community that this cave once belonged to their ancestors.
Archaeological studies have found evidence of human habitation from the pre-Christian era, proving the cave’s great historical value.
Final Thoughts
Batathota Lena (Diwa Guhawa) is not just a cave—it is a place of deep spiritual value, ancient history, and natural beauty.
Surrounded by old Sal trees, forest vegetation, and peaceful silence, it offers a perfect place for meditation, reflection, and quiet exploration.
For pilgrims, history lovers, and nature seekers, Batathota Lena is a hidden sacred gem near Sri Pada that deserves respect and careful preservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Batathota Lena (Diwa Guhawa)
Where is Batatotalena Cave located?
Is Batatotalena Cave the same as Divaguhawa?
Why is Divaguhawa Cave important in Buddhism?
Is Divaguhawa mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts?
How big is Batatotalena Cave?
How do you reach Divaguhawa Cave?
Is there a temple inside the cave?
What is Manduka Vila inside the cave?
Can Adam’s Peak be seen from Divaguhawa?
Is Batatotalena Cave important for archaeology?
Are there other caves near Divaguhawa?
Is Divaguhawa suitable for normal visitors?
When is the best time to visit Divaguhawa?
Why is Divaguhawa unique among cave temples?
Is Divaguhawa the only Solosmasthana cave?
What is Batathota Lena (Diwa Guhawa)?
Is Batathota Lena safe to visit?
How long does it take to visit Batathota Lena?
Is Batathota Lena suitable for children or elderly visitors?
Is Batathota Lena crowded?
Have a question about visiting Batathota Lena or Sri Pada?
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Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
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