Declared a protected heritage site and an archaeological protected monument in Sri Lanka in 1996, Dhowa is famed for its incomplete 38 ft Buddha Statue, carved out of a granite boulder. Dhowa Rock Temple (Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya) is believed to have been built by King Walagamba in first century BC, when he sought refuge in the Uva Province during his exile from Anuradhapura, following an Indian invasion. The iconography of the statue could be identified as Mahayana and is believed to have been carved by the king himself.
The Image House and shrine room amalgamated into the cave are adorned with vibrant murals depicting Jataka stories. The Image House consists of 3 chambers, with Watuka and Kuvera, two guardians of the Raksha tribe, guarding the entrance to the Shrine room. At the end of the Image House, within the cave, lies a small stupa. Behind the stupa lies a 11 kilometre tunnel called Ravana Guhawa (Ravana Cave) guarded by a King Cobra modelled out of clay, however the entrance has been sealed off due to vandalism. The destination to which. The cave leads is unknown. The tunnnel is believed to have been the escape route used by the king, prior to the completion of the statue.
Located in front of the Image House (Gal Viharaya) is a stupa, Bo Tree and a natural pond. Previously named after the chief priest who has provided sanctuary to the King, who later transformed it into a temple, the Buddhist monastery was known as Kumbaltispaha Ariyagala Vehera.
Dhowa Rock Temple is situated approximately 7 kilometres from Ella, on the Badulla – Bandarawella main road.
