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Kuda Gal ViharaComfortably hidden amongst the many terraces that surround the Baddhasima Pasada is a small shallow cave which has recently been identified as the Kuda Gal Vihara. Strangely it seems to bear little resemblance to the Gal Vihara which is only a short distance away from it. Visitors hardly come here.
When we came across it, quite by accident, we were surprised and delighted. It had its own charm by its very solitariness. The cave seemed to nestle cozily in its surroundings. Away from the well trodden paths of the pilgrims. Away from their flower offerings, incense sticks, petitions and prayers. The cave was roughly hewn and possibly incomplete The images of the Lord Buddha inside were comparable to those at the Gal Vihara.. A few faded wild flowers languished beside them. Some thoughtful pilgrim may have felt the neglect of the shrine. Perhaps, like us, he would have first visited the Gal Vihara teeming with pilgrims and camera clicking tourists who offered the best of flowers sold by little boys along the well defined path that led to that site. There was no one here. Like us, he too may have felt the holiness of these environs and its sad abandonment. Like us he may have sat and mused on the difference that seemed too obvious; a harsh reality. What made so many thousands worship at the Gal Vihara? Perhaps, like us, this other pilgrim too would not have wanted to leave the quiet peace that pervaded these surroundings - resting his tired limbs, sitting undisturbed on a grassy terrace with only the big trees that gave shade to the little forgotten cave and the unique silence that accompanies the fading of day. Maybe like us he would have waited till the end of the day and gone homewards with a peaceful heart after experiencing a perfect evening. But he had preceded us. Unfortunately when we quite accidentally stumbled on this cave it was quite late in the afternoon and the fading light held little concern for us to perfect our pictures. But what's a picture compared to the solace you can enjoy in the quit moments ? Yes, sometimes I wish the camera was not invented. But that's only sometimes, mind you! by Kishanie S. Fernando
February 11, 2007
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