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While the name “Kadurugoda Viharaya” often evokes the well-known temple in the Jaffna Peninsula, this particular site is located in the 5 Kanuwa (5th Mile Post) area of the Wil Oya Grama Niladhari Division, within the Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat of the Monaragala District.
To reach the site, travel approximately 28 kilometers along the Monaragala–Siyambalanduwa main road until you reach Kodayana Junction, located about 500 meters before the KST Corn Flour Factory. Turn onto this narrow road and continue for about 8.6 kilometers. At the 5 Kanuwa area, take a right turn onto a side road paved with cement blocks. After about 2 kilometers along this route—only the first 50 meters of which are paved and the rest being gravel—you will arrive at the ancient temple site, situated to your right, amidst cornfields.
This ancient Kadurugoda Viharaya lies at the base of a prominent rock formation rising roughly 200 meters. The site includes the remains of a large ancient stupa, now reduced to a mound. Its center has been dug by treasure hunters. At the entrance to the stupa platform, two broken stone pillars stand, and a carved stone slab—likely part of an ancient doorway—serves as a step. A newly built stupa stands nearby, adjacent to the ruins of the original.
Scattered across the temple premises are numerous remnants of ancient structures and stone artifacts. A small image house has been constructed using two modestly carved balustrades (korawak gal) and stone steps. Two sections of a large stone pillar lie in front of this shrine, while fragments of additional stone columns can be seen throughout the area.
Due to its location deep within a rural area and far from the main Siyambalanduwa road, this site remains largely unknown and seldom visited, preserving its quiet historical charm.
Report of the Archaeological Survey in Sri Lanka by the Hosei University Team
References
- SUZUKI, Y., 1999. Report of the Archaeological Survey in Sri Lanka by the Hosei University Team. Tokyo: Hosei University.
Also See
Map of Siyambalanduwa Kadurugoda Rajamaha Viharaya
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Traveling Directions to Siyambalanduwa Kadurugoda Rajamaha Viharaya
| From Monaragala to Siyambalanduwa Kadurugoda Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Via: Dombagahawela–Kodayana Total distance: 37 km Travel time: 45 minutes Time to spend: Approximately 30-40 minutes Driving directions: See on Google Maps |
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