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Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Among ancient ruins in Sri Lanka, one may notice three groups of Naga figures carved on stone. Out of them abundant are the seven hooded Naga figures shown on guard stones. These guard stones flank the doorways of religious buildings such as stupas and image-houses.
The second type, the nine-hooded Naga figures are extremely rare. The third type, five-hooded Naga figures are found on the banks of ponds, lakes, and tanks. This motif signifies God Balarama or Baladeva. The five-hooded Nagas seldom assume the anthropomorphic form, unlike the first category.
But deep in the jungles between Thiriyaya and Pulmude, lies an exquisitely carved five-hooded Naga Sculpture at the top of a hill completely out of place.
The hill is called Valathamale (Valathamalai) and lies between the 49-50 km posts and consists of dry shrub jungle. There is no path to the ruins at the top but it is known to Tamil residents in the area and some visit the site to carry out pujas at the Naga sculpture.
Next to the Five Hooded Cobra, is a carving of a figure definitely a woman in a sitting position facing the Naga.
The site has been apparently a building complex in ancient times. Ruins are scattered everywhere around this carving. Unfortunately, the Department of Archaeology has ignored this site so far and if proper excavations are carried out more information about this unique sculpture might come to light.
Also See
Map of Five Hooded Cobra at Nagathambarani
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Travelling Directions to Five Hooded Cobra at Nagathambarani
| Route from Trincomalee to Five Hooded Cobra at Nagathambarani |
| Through : Nilaveli – Kuchchaveli Distance : 49 km Travel time : 25 mins + climb time Driving directions : see on google map |
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