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Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran (මුරුත්තානෛ වේරම පුරාවිද්‍යා භූමිය)

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Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran

The Anurādhapura-period Muruthtthanai Werama site in Kiran features a monastic complex identified by a Siri Pathul Gala (Buddha footprint stone), stone pillars, ancient pottery, roof tiles, and bricks. Architectural characteristics at the location also suggest the site may have previously served as a prehistoric burial ground.

Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site is located in the village of Muruthtthanai, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Muruthtthanai 209-A, in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran).

Access Route

From Kiran Junction, travel along the Thureiyadi Road. At Pulipanchakal Junction, turn right and continue through the Napaththawil Wewa reservoir area until reaching the indigenous village of Muruthtthanai. The archaeological site is located within this area.

Historical Background

The archaeological remains at this site, including a Siri Pathul Gala (a stone slab carved with the footprint of the Buddha), together with fragments of pottery, roof tiles, and bricks, indicate the presence of an ancient monastery dating to the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

In addition, the site contains a structure whose characteristics suggest that the area may also have served as a prehistoric burial ground. This evidence points to the possibility of multiple phases of occupation, extending from the prehistoric period into the Anuradhapura era.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological remains are concentrated within the area known as Werama in Muruthtthanai village. At one location, a number of stone architectural elements can be observed, including a pillar base stone, several stone pillars, and stone slabs. These remains indicate the presence of a former building, most likely associated with the ancient monastic complex.

Approximately 100 meters (330 feet) south of this location is another archaeological feature consisting of a wall-like structure constructed from stone pillars and stone slabs.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7° 53′ 23.0″ N
East Longitude: 81° 25′ 33.1″ E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of the Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran

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Traveling to the Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran

Route from Batticaloa to Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran

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

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Muruthtthanai Werama Archaeological Site in Kiran (මුරුත්තානෛ වේරම පුරාවිද්‍යා භූමිය)
The Anurādhapura-period Muruthtthanai Werama site in Kiran features a monastic complex identified by a Siri Pathul Gala (Buddha footprint stone), ancient pottery, roof tiles, and bricks. Architectural characteristics at the location also suggest the site may have previously served as a prehistoric burial ground. […]
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