Muruthtthanai Buddhist Archaeological Site in Kiran

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Muruthtthanai Buddhist Archaeological Site in Kiran

The Anurādhapura-period Muruthtthanai Buddhist site in Kiran features a rock-summit stupa and northern-slope buildings. Plundered by treasure hunters who breached the relic chamber, the ruins still preserve brick paving, stone wall foundations, and scattered pillar bases.

The Muruthtthanai Buddhist Archaeological Site are located in the village of Muruthtthanai, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Muruthtthanai 209-A, in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran).

Access Route

From Kiran Junction, travel along the Thureiyadi Road. At Pulipanchakal Junction, turn right and continue through the Napaththawil Wewa reservoir area to reach the indigenous village of Muruthtthanai. Proceed beyond the village for approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) until reaching a three-way junction with the road leading to Kudumbimalai. The archaeological remains are situated about 500 meters (0.5 km; 0.3 miles) south of the road in this area.

Historical Background

The archaeological evidence at this site, including a stupa and associated structures constructed of brick and stone, indicates the presence of an ancient monastic complex dating to the Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

The remains of an ancient building complex are situated on a series of low rock outcrops. The stupa was built upon the summit of the rocky surface, while additional structures had been built along the northern slope.

The stupa has suffered extreme damage. A deep pit has been excavated through the top of the dome, exposing the interior of the relic chamber, which is filled with bricks and stone slabs. Evidence of entrances on both the northern and southern sides can still be identified. Traces of brick paving are also visible on the surface of the stupa dome.

Immediately north of the stupa are the remains of another building, which has likewise been subjected to extensive destruction.

Three additional structures can be identified on the rocky ground west of the stupa. Large quantities of brick fragments are scattered throughout this area, indicating the former presence of substantial brick-built constructions.

Further archaeological remains are visible on the northern and northwestern sides of the site, where the foundations of stone walls and several stone pillar bases can still be observed. Together, these remains indicate the existence of a sizeable Anuradhapura-period monastic establishment comprising a stupa and multiple associated buildings.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7° 53′ 14.4″ N
East Longitude: 81° 25′ 30.7″ 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 Muruthtthanai Buddhist Stupa Ruins in Kiran

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