Ethabandigala Pillar Inscription
Upon arriving in Tissamaharama, you will discover four ancient stupas located within a few kilometers of each other. The first stupa, Debarawewa Menik Vehera, is situated right next to the main road, while Yatala Vehera is just 500 meters away. The Tissamaharama Stupa and the Sandagiriya Stupa can also be reached from this location.
Adjacent to Menik Vehera, on privately-owned coconut land, stands a massive granite pillar with inscriptions known as Ethabendigala (Etha-Bendi-Gala or Etabendigala), also known as the pillar where the elephant was tethered. Legend has it that King Dutugemunu tethered his renowned elephant 'Kadol' to this pillar. The pillar is undoubtedly large and sturdy enough to hold an elephant.
The pillar inscription, written in ancient Sinhalese, dates back to the 1st or 2nd century and mentions two village taxes being donated to the temple by Rohinika Gamini Abhaya, son of King Gamini Abhaya and grandson of King Devanampiyatissa.
The Department of Archaeolog...
Adjacent to Menik Vehera, on privately-owned coconut land, stands a massive granite pillar with inscriptions known as Ethabendigala (Etha-Bendi-Gala or Etabendigala), also known as the pillar where the elephant was tethered. Legend has it that King Dutugemunu tethered his renowned elephant 'Kadol' to this pillar. The pillar is undoubtedly large and sturdy enough to hold an elephant.
The pillar inscription, written in ancient Sinhalese, dates back to the 1st or 2nd century and mentions two village taxes being donated to the temple by Rohinika Gamini Abhaya, son of King Gamini Abhaya and grandson of King Devanampiyatissa.
The Department of Archaeolog...
