Ochchappu Kallu Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(4 votes, average: 2.25 out of 5)

Ochchappu Kallu Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu — Ochchappu Kallu (Occappukallu) Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu
Photo courtesy of Kithsiri Gunawardena

Ochchappu Kallu (Occappukallu) is an ancient Buddhist monastic complex now in ruins, located within the Wilpattu National Park. The area of the site has been identified by several archaeologists as the ancient city of Acha Nagara mentioned in the Tonigala inscription (IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006). Out of the nearly 68 archaeological sites discovered within the boundaries of Wilpattu, Ochchappu Kallu (Occappukallu) is regarded as the largest monastic complex in the park.

The site spreads across a wide area and features the remnants of a once-thriving Buddhist establishment. Among the ruins are numerous drip-ledged caves, rock-cut foundations of ancient buildings, moonstones, balustrades (korawak gal), and fragments of stone pillars, all indicative of a large and well-planned monastery.

The oldest known inscription at the site dates back to the reign of King Kanittha Tissa (164–192 CE). It records the donation of income derived from four reservoirs—Chudataka Wewa, Jabo Wewa, Mataka Wewa, and Thalawana Wewa—for the provision of oil and offerings to five stupas (chetiyas), as well as for the maintenance and repair of the railings of the chattras (ceremonial umbrellas) atop them. The inscription also identifies the name of the monastic complex as “Kuba Vehera” (Dias, 2001, pp. 70–71).

Sadly, the central stupa has been extensively damaged by treasure hunters, leaving only traces of its former structure.

Just before the main ruins area, a large drip ledge cave is found with an inscription written in early Brahmi style describing the donation of this cave to the Buddhist priesthood.

In several areas of the site, massive stone slabs have been expertly positioned to lean against natural boulders, forming secluded meditation chambers—an indication of the site’s function as a monastic retreat.

At the summit of the rock, the remains of a large stupa and associated buildings can still be seen. Further downhill, another stupa—now largely destroyed due to the actions of treasure hunters—can also be observed. Near this ruined stupa lies an additional rock inscription, which has yet to be deciphered or studied.

As Wilpattu National Park enforces strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles, special permission is required to access and explore this archaeological site on foot.

Inscriptions at Ochchappu Kallu (Occappukallu)

[l] Parumaka-Timara-putasa parumaka-Digagutasa lene sagasa
The cave of the chief Dighagutta, son of the chief Timara, [is given] to the Sangha.

[2] Parumaka .. .. .. .. .. .. parumaka-Dinasa lene sagasa
The cave of the chief Dinna . . . . . . the chief . . . . . . [is given] to the Sangha.

[3] Tisagutasa ca Pusasa ca lene
The cave of Tissagutta and Phussa.

[4] Utiya lene
The cave of Uttiya.

[5] Nagaha lene
The cave of Naga.

[6] Rajha-Kanasa puta rajhaputa-Kanasa. lene agata-anagata-catudisa-sagasa
The cave of Rajaputta Kanna, son of king Kanna, [is given] to the Sangha of the four
quarters, present and absent.

(Paranavitana, 1970, p. 9)

[7]

Sidddham [ ] Naka-maharajaha puta Mali-Tisa-ma-
haraja magana-nakariyahi Vavalavi Mitayaha Cudataka-vaviyi ca
Jabo-vaviyi ca Mataka-vaviyi ca Talavana-vaviyi ca me etaka vaviyi
bojiyapati kara kadaya Kuba-viharakahi pa(ca)-cetahi tela-huta-mula
cata-m[uda]- veti-
-ya jina-padi-satariya kotu dini

Success! The great king Kanittha Tissa, the son of the great king Naga, granted the overlord’s income from the Cudataka-vavi, from Jabo-vavi, from Mataka-vavi and from Talavana-vavi. From these above mentioned tanks of Vavalavi Mitaya, residing in Magana-nakari and having had taxes due therefrom remitted—for defraying the expenses for oil and offerings of the five Cetiyas in the Kuba-vihara and for the purpose of repairing the railing of the chatra or the umbrella at the summit of the Cetiyas.

(Dias, 2001, pp. 70–71)

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park, while celebrated for its wildlife, remains one of the least archaeologically explored regions in Sri Lanka. Historical interest has largely focused on a few ancient inscriptions and proto-historic sites, leaving much of its rich heritage still shrouded in mystery. Yet, the park and its surroundings are steeped in folklore, early legends, and connections to foundational episodes of Sri Lanka’s past.

One of the most significant legends linked to the park is that of Tammanna Nuwara, widely believed to be the landing site of Prince Vijaya, the first recorded king of Sri Lanka. Around 500 BCE, Vijaya and his 700 followers are said to have disembarked near Kudiremalai Point, close to the mouth of the Moderagam Ara. According to tradition, they first rested their hands on the soil, which left their palms stained red. This tale finds geological support in the stretch of reddish latosols—iron-rich soils—running parallel to Sri Lanka’s western coastal belt. These soils are part of ancient marine terraces, dating back millions of years to when the landmass emerged from beneath the sea.

Local folklore also links Wilpattu to the Yaksha Princess Kuveni, whom Vijaya married upon his arrival. The ruins of Kuveni’s mythical palace are said to lie at Kali Vila, while traces of her presence are believed to linger around the Kokmote Bungalow.

Another important cultural site is Galbendi Neeravia, located northeast of Maradanmaduwa Tank. It is traditionally believed to have been the dwelling of Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, and his beloved Asokamala, a woman of a lower caste. Their story, dating back around 2,000 years, is remembered as a tale of love and social defiance.

Some of the sites inside Wilpattu National Park with significant archaeological evidence are listed below;

Galbendi Neeravia Ruins : ruins of buildings spread over 10 acres
Galge Viharaya Archaeological Ruins : Caves with brick walls, granite ruins
Hunuvila Gama Ruins : Stupas, shrine house
Kimbula Ketu Gala Ruins : numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks—likely remnants of a long-lost monastery
Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins : foundation stone, a square-shaped stone block, and scattered brick fragments
Nai Pena Guhava Ruins : Two caves and a Stupa, a pond
Ochchappu Kallu Archaeological Ruins : Caves, Stupa, Image houses, and Inscriptions
Palace of Kuweni Archaeological Ruins : Ruin pillars, Stupa
Pomparippu ancient Burial Site
Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins : Ruins of Stupa, Pillars, Foundation stones, Bricks, and Pond
Veli Vehera Archaeological Site
Weeransole Archaeological Ruins : Three Buddha statues, three image houses

References

Dias, M. (2001). Epigraphia Zeylanica : Being Lithic and Other Inscriptions of Ceylon: The growth of Buddhist Monastic institutions in Sri Lanka from Brahmi inscriptions: Vol. VIII. Department of Archaeological Survey, Government of Sri Lanka.
Goonatilake, W. L. D. P. T. S. de A. (2006). National Archaeological Symposium 2006. In Archaeologically important sites in Vilpattu National Park: present status and new findings (Vol. 1, pp. 57–80). Colombo.
IUCN Sri Lanka. (2006). Resource Inventory of Wilpattu National Park: Final Report. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka.
Paranavitana, S. (1970). Inscriptions of Ceylon : Volume I Containing Cave Inscriptions From 3rd Century B.C. To 1st Century A.C. and Other Inscriptions in the Early Brahmi Script: Vol. I. Department of Archaeology Ceylon.

Also See

Map of Ochchappu Kallu Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

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

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.