Veheradivulana (Divulanagoda) Archaeological Site inside Yala National Park (යාල වෙහෙරදිවුලාන නටබුන්)

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Veheradivulana (also spelt Veheradiulana, Weheradivulana and also called Divulanagoda)  is a remote archaeological site bordering Yala National Park which has been left to the mercy of treasure hunters like many other such sites in the area.

This is a rocky outcrop lying on the banks of Kumbukkan Oya in close proximity to Zone 3 of Yala National Park which can be accessible through Kotiyagala.

According to archaeological ruins in the area, the banks of Kumbukkan Oya were densely populated thousands of years ago when the sub-kingdom of Ruhuna flourished.  Veheragala monastery, the Wattarama temple in Kotiyagala, and Thalaguruvehera in Zone 3 of the Yala National Park had been the abode of thousands of Buddhist monks in ancient times.

A renowned historian Raj Somadeva had mentioned that the Veheradivulana was undoubtedly one of the most ancient temples in the country, but the authorities are yet to carry out research on its archaeological importance and its place in the Buddhist history of Sri Lanka.

The Handbook of Ceylon Traveller published in 1974 mentions of Veheradivulana (Divulangoda) site as; Twenty miles up the Kumbukkan oya along the jeep track from Kumana and then half a mile to the North is a gently rising rocky hill. Diulanagoda, surmounted by the crumbling remains of a dagaba. The hill appears to be terraced and has two long flights of steps cut into the rock from. two directions, leading to the summit. There are two drip-ledged caves one of which contains a white limestone image of the Buddha, 8 feet high, the crown touching the cave’s roof.

Archaeological remains of three stupas, caves with drip ledges, rock pillars and the ruins of several other ancient buildings have been discovered at the site. Deep rock cut steps along the rocks lead to caves and destroyed stupas.  Due to its remote location and the negligence of the authorities, this site has been ravaged by treasure hunters for centuries without hindrance. Most artefacts had been broken into pieces, caves and rock blasted with explosives looking for elusive treasures. According to an elder of the Kotiyagala village, a six-foot marble Buddha statue now lies in fragments among the ruins.

Parts of an old brick wall can be seen on one cave which might have been a living quarter of a meditating monk or perhaps an image house. A strange life-size crude statue of a human dressed in yellow is seen inside this cave possibly brought here by a villager.

One of the unique features of this site is the rock on the eastern side of the monastery is a tall rock resembling a chimney.

The site lies 30 km from the Kotiyagala village and 3 km from the popular Kebiliththa Devalaya. You will need the service of a local guide and a 4-wheel vehicle or a tractor to take you through the jungle to the Veheradivulana Ruins.

List of Archaeological Sites inside Yala and Kumana National Parks

Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site
Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site
Source : www.sundayobserver.lk

References

  • 1974. Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller. 1st ed. Colombo: Studio Times.

Also See

Map of Veheradivulana Archaeological Site inside Yala

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)
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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.

Travel Directions to Veheradivulana Archaeological Site inside Yala

The park can be reached through Southern Highway. It is 275 kilometres away (the shortest path through Ratnapura avoiding the Highway but travel time is longer) from Colombo.

Route from Colombo to Yala National Park  (Ruhuna) EntranceRoute from Kataragama to Yala National Park  (Ruhuna) Entrance
Through : Southern Highway – Mattala – Tissamaharama – Kirinda
Distance : 275 km
Travel time : 4.30 hours
Driving directions : see on Google map
Through Tissamaharama – Kirinda
Distance : 40 km
Travel time : 45 minutes.
Driving directions : see on Google map

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