Nakha Vehera of Ancient Anuradhapura – අනුරාධපුර නඛා වෙහෙර

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Nakha Vehera

Nakha Vehera ( Naka Vehera) of Anuradhapura is one of the hidden gems which is rarely visited in Anuradhapura.

There are 4 known square shaped stupa’s in Sri Lanka. The most popular is the Sathmahal Prasadaya of Polonnaruwa kingdom built during 11th -13th century. The rest of the 3 stupas can be found in the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom which are rarely visited by the pilgrims. One of these stupa’s is Nakha Vehera. The other 2 belongs to the Abhayagiriya Monastic Complex. One of them is known as Indikatu Seya (aka Prasada Stupa). The other lies west of Eth Pokuna on the western border of the Abhayagiri Monastery.

Wall face of Nakha Vehera based on the ruins
Source : Sinhalese Monastic Architecture: The Viháras of Anurádhapura
By S. D. Bandaranayake

The Nakha Vehera belongs to the late late Anuradhapura era ( 7-10th centuries) and belongs to the Mahayana tradition like all other square stupas. The base is about 9×9 meters and ruins of an image house and some other buildings has been discovered in the close vicinity of this stupa.

The stupa lies 200 meters away from the Watawandara Road and a gravel road from the sign board can be barely seen. Once you take this turn, the road amost disappears due to disuse and 1-2 feet tall shrubs has taken over the road clearing. During rainy season the path becomes so muddy, only a 4 wheel drive will be able to make up to the stupa.

Turnoff to Nakha Vehera

The disappearing road to Nakha Vehera during the rainy season

The muddy road to Nakha Vehera during the rainy season

Nakha Vehera

Nakha Vehera

Nakha Vehera

Nakha Vehera

Also See

• Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Nakha Vehera

Note : The point marked in google maps is erroneous.

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites.

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura (Nakha Vehera)

Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttlam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttlam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).