Ruins at Inginiyagala Ovagiriya – ඉඟිනියාගල ඔවාගිරිය නටබුන්

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Unique octoganal platfrom of Ovagiriya Stupa
Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ovagiriya (Owagiriya) archaeological site is in Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This ruined site was explored and discovered by the Department of Archaeology on request of the Gal Oya Development Board.

Recreation of two legs of the statue with a mixture of granite powder. source : archaeology.gov.lk

After fixing the head to the body of the statue source : archaeology.gov.lk

The statue after conservation. source : archaeology.gov.lk

Most of the ruins at Ovagiriya at the time of discovery had been destroyed by the operation of tractors of the Gal Oya Development scheme. Ruins of a stupa, an image house, capital of stone pillars, guard stones, Korawak gal (Balustrades), flat clay tiles used for roofing, etc. are scattered over an area of 7-8 acres. The Chemical Conservation Division of the Department of Archaeology commenced conservation of the headless and handless Buddha statue of 11 ½ feet in height, in the year 2008. At the time of commencement of conservation, the shoulder portion of the statue was broken and fallen, on the ground. It was lifted and kept in the standing position with the help of a wooden frame and a lever.

Ovagiriya ruins are dated back to the 5th century or before. The Department of Archaeology has now restored granite Buddha statue, the Stupa and some of the buildings including the image house. A unique feature of the stupa is that it is built on an unusual octagonal (atapattam) platform instead of a circular or square platform.

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

An un-escavated stupa at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The resurrected 11 feet Buddha Statue at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Clay tiles of ancient buildings collected and stacked in Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Unique octoganal platfrom of Ovagiriya Stupa Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The relic chamber destroyed by the treasure hunters on the Stupa at Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Ruins at Ovagiriya Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Photo courtesy : Dr Ashan Geeganage

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