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Motagala is a rocky outcrop in the middle of the elephant-infested jungles of the Eastern Province, located east of Maduru Oya and about 12 kilometers east of Aralaganvila. This vast jungle landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops, most of which show evidence of having served as meditation retreats for Buddhist monks in ancient times.
The Motagala rock extends approximately 200 meters from northwest to southeast and rises to a height of around 50 meters. The slopes of the formation are steep in many sections. At the southeastern end of the Motagala rock summit are the remains of two stupas (marked A and B).
Both stupas are in a severely damaged state, worn down by both natural forces and human interference. Stupa A has a circumference of approximately 16 meters and a height of about 5 meters. Stupa B, located 15 meters east of Stupa A, has a similar circumference. Over time, both have deteriorated into piles of scattered bricks.
A pāṭaha (marked C) measuring 2 meters by 1 meter is found on a smaller rock hill located south of the main rock’s base. Brick fragments are scattered nearby, though no identifiable building remains are present.
On the southwestern side of the rock hill (marked D), two large stones—each over 2 meters long—are stacked in two layers. Their purpose remains uncertain, though if of human origin, they could potentially be interpreted as a dolmen.
References
- The Exploration Club of Hosei University. (1978). The Ruins of Ancient Sinhalese Civilization -in the Jungle in Mahaweli Ganga Basin- Srilanka – Part II. Kinki Nippon Tourism and Culture Research Institute.
Also See
Map of Motagala Rock Archaeological Ruins
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Travel Directions to Motagala Rock Archaeological Ruins
| Route from Polonnaruwa to Motagala Rock Archaeological Ruins |
| Through : Manampitiya – Aralaganvila Distance : 51 km Travel time : 1 hour Driving directions : see on Google Maps |
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