Kuchchaveli Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya

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Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Kuchchaveli is a small coastal fishing village located to the north of Trincomalee. Approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) further north, at the point where the Yan Oya meets the Indian Ocean, stands Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya on a rocky promontory projecting into the sea. The modern temple established at this site is known as Kanikara Valuka Samudra Viharaya.

Samudragiri or Muhudu Viharayas

Temples of this type, constructed on elevated ground along the beaches, are traditionally referred to as Samudragiri Viharayas or Muhudu Viharayas. Comparable shrines include Gotha Pabbatha at Ambalantota near the mouth of the Walawe River, Bundala, Kirinda, Okanda, Sastrawela, Gokanna at the entrance to Trincomalee harbor (where the present-day Koneswaram Kovil stands), Lanka Patuna at Foul Point, and Dambakola Patuna in Jaffna.

Archaeological Remains and Unique Features

Like many coastal temples, this site has suffered extensive damage due to sea erosion, leaving behind only a limited number of surviving remains. Among the most remarkable is a distinctive bas-relief consisting of sixteen miniature stupas carved into a rock surface measuring approximately 1.2 by 1.2 meters (4 by 4 feet). The panel is divided into sixteen equal square compartments.

The overturned position of this carving suggests that it may originally have stood at the summit of the rocky outcrop before collapsing to its present location. This form of sculptural composition is unparalleled elsewhere in Sri Lanka and is believed to reflect influences from Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions.

Inscription and Religious Context

Beneath the bas-relief is an inscription comprising eight lines of Sanskrit. Based on its script style, it is generally dated to around the 6th century CE, although the scholar Senarath Paranavitana has proposed a broader date range between the 5th and 8th centuries CE.

The inscription conveys Mahāyāna doctrinal themes, indicating that the patron who commissioned it aspired to attain Buddhahood while assisting others in liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Secretariat Office of the JCIC-Heritage, 2015).

Archaeological Discoveries

In 1955, a limestone Buddha head was unearthed at the site during construction activities. This artifact displays characteristics associated with the late Amaravati style of South India, including pronounced hair curls and a relatively low uṣṇīṣa.

Further discoveries were made in 1984, when the Department of Archaeology uncovered two additional Buddha heads and a torso made of locally sourced dolomite. These pieces also exhibit stylistic elements typical of South Indian sculptural traditions.

In 2011, a joint excavation conducted by the department and a French research team revealed a range of artifacts, including pottery, Chinese porcelain, and Roman coins. These findings suggest that the site functioned not only as a religious center but also as an ancient seaport.

Preserved Artifacts and Structural Remains

A nearby storage facility now houses many of the recovered artifacts, including limestone and dolomite Buddha statues, seated Buddha images, Bodhisattva heads, stone footprints attributed to the Buddha, and terracotta roofing tiles, most of which date to the Anurādhapura period. Inscribed pillars discovered in the surrounding area are preserved outdoors in close proximity to the site.

Hilltop Remains and Local Names

Atop a small coastal hill—known locally as Karandi Malai in Tamil and Walas Kanda in Sinhala—stands a reconstructed stupa along with various archaeological remains gathered over time.

Historical Identity and Local Tradition

An ancient inscription identifies the original name of the temple as Kanikarawelli Viharaya, while the name Pichchamal Viharaya appears to be of more recent origin. According to local tradition, King Duṭṭhagāmaṇi once collected pichcha mal (jasmine flowers) from this region to offer at the sacred Ruwanweli Seya, which may have contributed to the temple’s present name.

Stupa at the top of the rocky hill at Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

Ruins of the Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

The unique engraving of stupas not found anywhere else at Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

View from top of the Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

The Sanskrit Inscription at Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

finely crafted Buddha Statue which dates back to 2nd century at Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

At the Samudragiri Pichchamal Viharaya at Kuchchaveli

References

Medhananda Thero, E. (2005). The Sinhala Buddhist heritage in the East and the North of Shri [i.e. Sri] Lanka (1st ed.). Dayawansa Jayakody & Co.
Secretariat Office of the JCIC-Heritage. (2015). Survey Report on the Protection and Utilisation of Cultural Property in the Northern and Northeastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

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