Devagirimalei Rock Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Kiran

Devagirimalei Rock Archaeological Ruins in Kiran

The Devagirimalei Rock (Uuttumalei) ruins in Kiran, Batticaloa sit atop a 400-meter long forested outcrop. The looted site features a square rock socket, a plain moonstone, stone walls, and numerous scattered brick and pillar fragments that have cascaded down the slopes.

The Devagirimalei Rock Archaeological Ruins are located in the village of Navalampitti, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Thihilivaddai (200 A), in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran), Batticaloa District.

Access Route

From Eravur, turn left at the Santhiveli Piḷḷaiyār Kovil and travel approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) towards a natural waterbody. Cross the waterbody using the Santhiveli–Kiran ferry service, which is capable of transporting vehicles. From the ferry landing, continue for approximately 2.25 kilometers (1.4 miles) to reach the large rock outcrop on the left within the forest, where the archaeological remains are located.

Alternatively, the ferry may be avoided by travelling to Kiran and taking the Thoppigala Road. After approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles), you will reach a four-way junction. Instead of turning right towards the bridge over the Maduru Oya, turn left and continue along the road to reach the site.

Historical Background

Devagirimalei Rock preserves archaeological evidence from both the prehistoric and historic periods, with the historic remains most likely dating to the Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

The archaeological site is situated within a forest on a rocky outcrop measuring approximately 400 meters (0.25 miles) in length. In ancient times, the rock was known as Uuttumalei. According to local tradition, it later became known as Devagirimalei after a woman named Devagiri was pushed from the cliff to her death.

On the eastern slope below the highest point of the rock plateau, fragments of a stone pillar and ancient bricks can be found. Nearby, a square socket has been cut into the rock surface, together with the remains of a wall constructed from stone flakes. A fallen stone pillar is also located in the vicinity.

A water hole has been created on the rock plateau overlooking the lagoon. Further downslope lies a plain, uncarved moonstone that has been displaced from its original position. To the northeast is another archaeological location containing seven roughly dressed stone pillars. This area has suffered extensive damage as a result of unauthorized excavations by treasure hunters.

South of this location, the remains of ancient buildings, including stone pillar bases and stone pillars, are scattered across the site. Numerous stone pillars, bricks, and other structural debris have fallen from the summit of the rock and are now dispersed across the lower slopes surrounding the outcrop.

Approximately 150 meters (492 ft) north of the site containing the building remains, there are two stone pillars that likely belonged to another ancient structure. The archaeological evidence indicates that this location was once the site of a Buddhist monastery dating to the Anuradhapura period.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°50’02.9″N
East Longitude: 81°31’32.9″E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

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