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Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkaikulama in Nelumwewa, Welioya

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Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkai Kulama Reservoir in Nelumwewa, Welioya
Photo Credit: Ancient Sites & Monuments – Mullaitivu District – Department of Archaeology

These archaeological remains are situated within the Nayiththikaikulam Reserve, located in the Komalamunai Muhudubadapaththu area, under the administration of the Kumulamunai Centre Grama Niladhari Division of the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat.

At this site, one can observe the remains of a partially ruined stupa constructed with ancient bricks. The stupa is approximately 7 meters in height and has a diameter of around 15 meters. When archaeological officials first inspected the site in 2011, evidence suggested that treasure hunters had already attempted to excavate its center. By late 2016, during a follow-up visit, officials found that a pit approximately 5 meters deep had been dug, and the relic chamber had been fully looted. Based on the style and size of the bricks, the stupa has been identified as belonging to the Anuradhapura period. Two pillar bases can also be seen near the stupa mound.

Discovery of a Rare Andra-Style Buddha Plaque

One of the most significant findings from this location is a rare Andra-style Buddha plaque, discovered by army personnel. This artifact is believed to date back to between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. The plaque artistically portrays two episodes from the life of the Buddha: the sixth week under the protection of Mucalinda Nāga and the seventh week spent in the Rajayatana.

The Mucalinda Nāga is depicted with seven cobra hoods, coiled beneath and sheltering the Buddha. Also shown on the plaque are the ascetic merchant brothers Tapassu and Bhalluka, as well as the deities Brahma and Indra, all depicted on either side of the Enlightened One during the sixth week. Such plaques are extremely rare in Sri Lanka, and this is currently the only known plaque of its kind discovered in the Northern Province.

At present, the plaque is preserved at the residence of a commanding officer of the 5th Sinha Regiment.

How to Reach the Site

To reach the site, travel along the Padaviya–Janakapura road, passing Parakramapura and continuing along the Kiriibbanwewa road. After passing the Nayiththikaikulam reservoir, travel approximately 1.5 kilometers, then turn right across the Pelavi irrigation canal. After proceeding about 600 meters, you will arrive at the archaeological site.

The GPS coordinates given below are based on data from the Department of Archaeology’s GIS database.

නෙළුම්වැව නෛත්තික්කායි කුලම වැව අසබඩ පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන් - Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkai Kulama Reservoir in Nelumwewa, Welioya

නෙළුම්වැව නෛත්තික්කායි කුලම වැව අසබඩ නටබුන් තුලින් මතු වූ පස්වන සිංහ රෙජිමේන්තු භූමියේ දැනට තබා ඇති ආන්ධ්‍රා බුද්ධ ප්‍රතිමා පලකය - Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkai Kulama Reservoir in Nelumwewa, Welioy

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 Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkaikulama in Nelumwewa

From Padaviya to Archaeological Ruins at Naiththikkaikulama in Nelumwewa

Via: Welioya
Total Distance: 62 km
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Time to spend: Approximately 30 minutes
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