According to the ancient story, Diva Guhawa is believed to be the cave where the Buddha spent the day after placing His sacred footprint on Sri Pada during his third visit to Sri Lanka. For this reason, it is regarded as one of the sacred Solosmasthana, the sixteen places sanctified by the Buddha's visits to the island.
The cave itself is large and naturally formed, measuring approximately 15 metres in height and 25 metres in length. Visitors reach the cave by climbing a scenic pathway through the forest, where the cool climate and surrounding greenery create a tranquil environment. Inside the cave are a shrine room, a stupa, and a small devalaya, while the entrance features a pond known as "Manduka Vila." The spacious interior and unique rock formations make the cave both a place of worship and an impressive natural wonder.
Diva Guhawa is also of great archaeological importance. Excavations carried out at Batatotalena have uncovered stone tools and evidence of prehistoric human habitation dating back thousands of years. These discoveries are associated with the ancient Balangoda culture, making the cave one of Sri Lanka's significant prehistoric sites. Thus, Diva Guhawa preserves not only the country's Buddhist heritage but also valuable evidence of its earliest human settlements.
Throughout the year, thousands of devotees visit Diva Guhawa, especially during the Sri Pada pilgrimage season. Many pilgrims worship at the cave before continuing their journey to the sacred mountain. The peaceful surroundings, cool breeze, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills provide an ideal setting for meditation and spiritual reflection. The cave temple remains an active place of religious worship where devotees offer flowers, light oil lamps, and participate in Buddhist observances.
