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Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins (පාතවෙඳගවත්ත පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)

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The ruins of Patawendagawatta lie in the jungle between the Maduru Oya River and the Arangoda Ella River (also known as Hikkagala Ella). Neither the name of the ruins nor the name of the location appears on standard maps. The site is approximately 2 kilometers south-southeast of the confluence of the Arangoda Ella and Maduru Oya and around 2 kilometers northwest of the Weheragodalla rock formation.

the 1978 report gives the following directions: to reach the site, turn east on the road to Kandegama and proceed to the remote settlement of Kandegama Yayewatta. From here, walk about 1.5 kilometers east along a barely visible trail to reach the Maduru Oya River. After crossing the river, continue southeast through the trackless jungle. A small swamp will soon appear to the right. Proceed approximately 300 meters further to arrive at the site.

However, it is now possible to cross the Maduru Oya by turning off at Dammina. After crossing the bridge, jeep tracks lead across the semi-arid landscape.

The overall layout of the site is relatively small. The visible ruins include:

A collapsed stupa ruin, with two large circular stone disks (possibly a stupa cap) measuring 1.3 meters in diameter.
Two rectangular building foundations.
One unidentified building structure.

Stupa A is no more than a low earthen mound, where the original structure has entirely collapsed and become buried. To the northwest are two large circular stone disks (labeled a1), each approximately 1.3 meters in diameter. These are thought to be Chathra (umbrella) stones once crowning the stupa (see Figure 1).

Item 2 (see Figure 2) is a square stone slab with sides measuring 77 centimeters. The surface has carved motifs, possibly a representation of the Buddha’s footprint (Sri Pathul Gala), and the border around the slab is about 3 centimeters wide.

Item 3 is a broken stone pillar—the only such fragment found at the location.

At Building B, stone pillars are arranged in a rectangular layout measuring 7.6 meters by 5.0 meters. There is a slightly raised platform at the center, and brick fragments are scattered around. Many pillars are broken, but the visible parts remain quite long—the longest measuring approximately 2.5 meters. This structure is believed to have been either a Dharmasalā (preaching hall) or an image house.

Approximately 10 meters south of B, at Location C, one cornerstone, one stone pillar, and scattered brick fragments are present. The original form of this structure is unclear.

At Building D, the stone pillars form a clear rectangular layout measuring 5.0 meters by 3.2 meters. This building, too, is likely either a Dharmasalā or image house. The exposed portions of the stone pillars vary, with average cross-sections of about 40 cm × 45 cm. The tallest pillar is about 60 centimeters high, and the shortest is just 15 centimeters. The layout appears to consist of three rows lengthwise and four rows widthwise (see figure).

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.

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Map of Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins

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Travel Directions to Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins

Route from Polonnaruwa to Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins

Through : Manampitiya – Aralaganvila
Distance : 50 km
Travel time : 1.30 hour
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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References

Also See

Map of Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins

Travel Directions to Patawendagawatta Archaeological Ruins

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