Historic experience at Arankele Monastery Sri Lanka
Arankele is 6th century monastery which was initially a meditation centre for Bhikkus. Located in the Kurunegala district, this monastery is a forest hermitage surrounded by natural habitat, mountains, hundreds of buildings including hot water bathing houses, ponds, caves and more.
Due to it being surrounded by natural habitat it gives a feel of mystery and wonder into the way of life in Ancient Sri Lanka.
History and Name
According to the department of Archeology Sri Lanka the name Arankele was derived from the two words;
“There are two schools of thought regarding the origin of its name. One such thought is the combination of the word “aran” derived from Arahat and “kele” being forest hermitage where the Arahants took shelter. The other being the adaptation of the two words “Arama” meaning monastery and “kele” meaning forest to form the word Arankele which had further evolved to sound Arankele.”
The Ruins and Architecture
There exists some naturally formed rock caves which were used by monks for mediation, however there are signs that it has been worked on through the existence use of plaster on the walls. Long sheltered pathways or Cankamanaghara exits that take visitors to these rock caves, and also to other sites likes ponds and meditation points.
The ruins of the site include some key constructions including;
- Jantaghara – a building right at the entrance comprising of hot water baths, saunas and medicinal baths
- Grinding stones – used to prepare herbal medicines
- Sanitary utilities- comprising of the triade-urinals, toilets and wash rooms
An experience with Sri Lanka Tailor-Made
For those who love history and culture, Arankele is ideal for learning about how architecture, mediation and way of life would have been like in ancient Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in visiting this archeological site and also learning more about Sri Lankan history and culture, get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or visit our website for more information www.srilankatailormade.com
