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Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins

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මොණරවැව ශ්‍රී මයුරවාපී විහාරය පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන් - Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins — Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins
Photo Credit: *Ancient Sites and Monuments – Mullaitivu District*, Department of Archaeology

Monarawewa is a remote village located about 22 kilometers from Padaviya, in the direction of Nedunkeni, within the Mullaitivu District. The villagers, who endured three decades of hardship under LTTE terrorism, continue to live under challenging conditions even today.

During the time of the LTTE conflict, the Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya in Monarawewa was completely destroyed in terrorist attacks. However, in 2012, the temple was rebuilt through the dedicated efforts of the Sri Lankan Army.

Among the structures of the temple is a building believed to have served as the image house (pilimageya), where 17 short stone pillars can be seen. This structure appears to face east and measures approximately 4.4 meters in length and 4.26 meters in width.

Nearby, fragments of a statue can be found, including two torso pieces and a pedestal stone. The statue, made of crystalline quartz, is broken in half at the waist. The head and feet are missing. The upper section of the torso is about 56 centimeters tall and 56 centimeters wide at its broadest point. The lower half is about 76 centimeters in height. The intricate folds of the robe (sivura) are still clearly visible, showcasing fine craftsmanship. The pedestal stone is believed to have once been a part of the statue.

To reach this archaeological site, one must travel along the Padaviya–Weli Oya road to Nikaweratiyava, and from there proceed about 7 kilometers along the Ethawatunuwewa road. The Monarawewa reservoir appears first, and just beyond it, facing the reservoir, lies the temple site.

References

Asanga, M. V. P. K., & Nishantha, I. P. S. (2018). පෞරාණික ස්ථාන හා ස්මාරක – මුලතිව් දිස්ත්‍රික්කය (1st ed.). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Archaeologysl.maps.arcgis.com. 2020. Web GIS Portal – Web GIS Unit. [online] Available at: <https://archaeologysl.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html> [Accessed 30 September 2020].

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Travel Directions to Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins

From Padaviya to Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins

Via: Nikawewa-Ethawetunuwewa
Total Distance: 22 km
Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes
Time to spend: Approximately 30 minutes
Driving Directions: See on Google Maps

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References

Also See

Map of Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins

Travel Directions to Monarawewa Sri Mayurawapi Viharaya Archaeological Ruins

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