Buddhist Ruins at the Kanniya Hot Water Wells in Trincomalee

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ත්‍රිකුණාමලයේ කන්නියා උණු දිය ළිං පරිශ්‍රයේ ඇති පුරාණ බෞද්ධ ආරාම සංකීර්ණයේ නටබුන් - Buddhist Ruins at the Kanniya Hot Water Wells in Trincomalee — ත්‍රිකුණාමලයේ කන්නියා උණු දිය ළිං පරිශ්‍රයේ ඇති පුරාණ බෞද්ධ ආරාම සංකීර්ණයේ නටබුන් – Buddhist Ruins at the Kanniya Hot Water Wells in Trincomalee

Translated from an article by Lakmal K. Baduge

Due to an existing crisis situation, it has been impossible to properly conduct conservation and excavation activities around the ancient Anuradhapura-era stupa, image house, and monastery complex located near the Kanniya hot springs in Trincomalee. These Buddhist ruins are being destroyed due to encroachments by non-Buddhists.

This archaeological site is located about one kilometre from the left turn near the Kanniya Iravaneswara Tamil School on the Trincomalee-Anuradhapura road, adjacent to the popular natural hot springs.

The stupa mound, previously destroyed by treasure hunters, has been covered by the Department of Archaeology with a concrete layer mixed with stones for protection. In 2000, an attempt by local non-Buddhists, supported by the LTTE, to build a Kovil on the stupa was thwarted by the Department of Archaeology and local monks.

Excavations at this site were initiated by the Department of Archaeology in 2012 but were temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions. Excavations resumed in 2013, uncovering evidence of a stupa built on a raised platform belonging to 2 early Anuradhapura periods, an image house, and residential cells.

However, some unauthorized constructions and a recently built Shiva Kovil within the site have obstructed the complete discovery of the entire monastery complex. It is evident that the Shiva temple is built over archaeological ruins, but it is not registered with the Department of Hindu Religious Affairs. Unfortunately, some high-ranking local government officials have been indirectly aiding the unauthorized construction and maintenance of this religious site.

Despite these challenges, the uncovered stupa, image house, and the nearby seven hot springs were declared an archaeological monument by Gazette Notification No. 1723 on September 9, 2011.

Excavations revealed that this site once housed a highly developed monastery. The pond behind the Shiva kovil, where monks previously collected water, is now filled with mud and other constructions.

The hot springs at this location are believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Mahasen (273-301 CE), but Hindu folklore attributes their creation to Maheshwara (Shiva) for providing holy water for the last rites of King Ravana’s mother. However, there is no credible evidence to support this legend.

Archaeological evidence suggests that this site dates back to the royal lineage of Rajaraja, and comparing it with other nearby archaeological sites indicates that they were all built around the same period.

The exact origin of the hot springs remains unknown, but evidence suggests that the monastery complex dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE. Archaeologists have confirmed the presence of a stupa, image house, and residential cells, indicating a fully functional monastery.

Excavations also revealed that the stupa belonged to two different periods, with its foundation starting about one meter above the level of the hot springs. A small stupa was built on a pedestal about one meter above ground level, dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, with evidence of later renovations.

Among the artefacts found were some pottery shards associated with the Hindu culture from the 6th to 10th centuries CE, but these were minimal. The majority of the finds were local red and brown pottery fragments, some of which were from megalithic burial sites.

Archaeologists indicate that while a significant number of large fragments of thick-walled pottery with prominent ridges were found, it was not possible to determine their exact types.

However, it is believed that these thick-walled pots might have been used for storage or water management purposes. During the final renovation phase of the stupa, evidence suggests that the last reconstruction work was done using a mixture of burnt red bricks and quartz stones, according to the archaeologists.

The initial construction phase of the stupa used moulded bricks, and flower altars made of granite were found around the stupa. Various other artefacts, such as stone balustrades, pedestal stones, stone pillars and a chathra stone, were also found near the stupa.

About 100 meters from the stupa lies the image house, which shows signs of having been excavated by bulldozers for treasure hunting. Pedestal stones, pillars, a relic stone, and a few small pillars were found there. Additionally, two fragments of a damaged stone inscription written in Brahmi characters belonging to the 2nd or 3rd century CE were discovered.

It states that a certain Maharaja donated the water tax collected from several adjacent tanks such as Taruviya, Marudaviya, Palawewa etc. to this temple. According to the remains of ancient artefacts recovered from the excavations at this place, Yupa stones, parts of statues, clay pots, flower seats and tools, it is confirmed with evidence that this is an old Bodunu monastery located in this area.

Currently, the ruins of the image house and stupa are deteriorating, and it is the responsibility of the Department of Archaeology to prevent further destruction. According to the Antiquities Ordinance No. 09 of 1940, Section 48, this site is an ancient monument and should be protected from unauthorized construction.

Director General of Archaeology, Professor P. B. Mr. Mandawala has also emphasized. However, due to the misunderstanding caused by the proselytes and the instigation of cunning politicians, the excavation and conservation work at this place has stopped.

Antiquities laws that affect other parts of the country and people in the East have not affected some people, which has led to the destruction of such ruins, so it is the responsibility of the Department of Archeology tomorrow to provide the opportunity for future generations to see this heritage.

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