Tomb of Andare the Court Jester (හම්බන්තොට අන්දරේ සොහොන)

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Tomb of Andare
Photo courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The Andare Memorial in Hungama honors the legendary 18th-century court jester of the Kandyan Kingdom. Famed for his wit under kings Kirti Sri Rajasinha and Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha, Andare’s final act dying with limbs splayed to make his sovereign laugh one last time is immortalized here through a unique, evocative sculpture.

Andare was a witty court jester who lived in the 18th century, during the reigns of Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1781) and Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha (1781-1798) of the Kandyan Kingdom.

Early Life and Background

He is believed to have been born in Devinuwara, located in the Matara district. Andare was the second son of Palawinnage Palliyaguru, a skilled linguist who served as a teacher at the Church of Devinuwara under an appointment by the Dutch.

Death and Folklore

According to folklore, Andare died of thirst while traveling to his hometown. It is said that upon hearing of the death of his favorite court jester, the king immediately went to the place where he had died. Seeing Andare’s body lying with all his limbs spread out, the king smiled and remarked, “Dear Andare, you make me laugh even after your death.”

Memorial

In 2001, a tomb and a monument were constructed at the site where Andare is believed to have died. The monument includes a sculpture depicting the manner of his death, with his arms spread out.

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Travel Directions to Tomb of Andare the Court Jester

Route from Colombo to Tomb of Andare the Court Jester	Route from Matara to Tomb of Andare the Court Jester
Through : Galle – Matara Distance: 245 km Travel time : 3.5 hours Driving directions: see on Google Maps.	Through: Southern Expressway – Andarawewa Exit – Hambantota Distance: 105 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.

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