Harakagala Buddhist Monastic Ruins

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The Harakagala Monastic Ruins in Kiran date to the Early Anurādhapura period. Situated on a rocky outcrop near a reservoir, the complex features a brick stupa foundation, a cave with a Brāhmī inscription, a massive multi-story pillared building, a stone chatragala (umbrella), and protective slab walls.

The site known as the Harakagala Buddhist Monastic Ruins is located in the village of Harakagala, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Utthuchchēnai 210-E, in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran).

Access Route

Traveling approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from Welikanda town towards Batticaloa, the road to Kallichchai can be found near the 100th kilometer post. Proceed along this road towards Utthuchchēnai village, then continue in the direction of Vadamunai for some distance before turning left towards the Harakagala Wewa Reservoir. The archaeological ruins are situated on the rocky outcrop located at the northern end of the reservoir embankment.

Historical Background

This is one of the well-known archaeological sites in the region. The stone inscriptions, caves, structural remains, and architectural features found at the site are all consistent with the traditions of the early Anurādhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

The rocky outcrop situated at the northern end of the Harakagala Wewa has been utilised for the construction of this ancient monastic complex. It is believed that the stupa once stood on the highest point of the rock, where remnants of a brick foundation can still be identified.

On the northern slopes of the rock is a cave with a drip ledge. A Brāhmī inscription is carved on the cave lip. Within the cave are fragments of walls and foundations constructed using ancient bricks, together with the base of a stone pillar. There are also indications that certain constructions at the site belong to a much later period.

The area in front of the cave has been utilized for the construction of buildings. Four standing stone pillars and four fallen pillars belonging to a structure can still be identified. These pillars are massive in size and contain tenons at the top, suggesting that the building may have been two stories in height.

Broken fragments of a chatragala — the stone umbrella element of an ancient stupa — are lying in the vicinity, indicating the former existence of another stupa in this area. Around the building complex, portions of a protective wall constructed using large stone slabs can also be identified.

In several places across the flat rocky surface are unidentified stone slabs and fragments belonging to structures that can no longer be clearly identified. It is also evident that this location was used during the conflict with the LTTE terrorists for surveillance purposes.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°54’49.9″ N
East Longitude: 81°17’43.0″ 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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Map of the Harakagala Buddhist Monastic Ruins

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