Aluvihare Rock Temple (Matale Alu Viharaya)

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is a sacred Buddhist temple located in Aluvihare, Matale District of Sri Lanka. The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C. to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling, and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign. Aluvihare Rock Temple was the historic location where the Pāli Canon was first written down completely in the text on ola leaves. Many monastery caves, some of which exhibit frescoes are situated near this temple.