Ancient Kadurugoda Viharaya

Ancient Kadurugoda Viharaya is an important historical and archaeological site located in Kandarodai village, Chunnakam, Sri Lanka. It is recognized as one of the extant ancient Buddhist remains on the Jaffna Peninsula, offering a glimpse into the region's historical Buddhist presence.

History and Legends

The history of Kadurugoda Viharaya is believed to stretch back to the Anuradhapura era. According to tradition, it was a place visited by Theri Sangamitta upon her arrival in Sri Lanka with a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, on her journey to Anuradhapura. An inscribed stone pillar discovered at the site, dating from the reign of King Dappula IV (923-935 A.D.), records a royal proclamation concerning gifts and benefits bestowed upon a Buddhist place of worship, further attesting to its historical significance.

The temple is also noted in the 'Nampotha', a text compiled in the 15th century, where it is referred to as Kadurugoda Viharaya of Demalapattanama. Folklores associated with the site tell of 60 Arhat Bhikkus who practiced meditation in the area. One legend suggests that these monks died in the 16th century after consuming poisoned mushroom curry, and the stupas were erected to house their relics. Another account attributes their demise to a prolonged famine.

Archaeological Findings and Features

Excavations conducted in 1917 by Paul E. Pieris brought to light numerous Buddhist ruins, identified as the ancient Kadurugoda Vihara. Initially, around 56 stupas were reported, though currently, only about 20 are visible. The ruins also include remnants of a shrine room, colored tiles, fragments of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, Buddha foot imprints, a guard stone with a Punkalasa motif, and ancient coins from various ruling periods. Some of these artifacts are preserved at the Jaffna Archaeological Museum.

The stupas themselves possess distinctive characteristics not found elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Constructed from gray coral stone, they are adorned with small holes and feature a unique design without the conventional square sections above the dome, instead sporting umbrella-shaped fixed pinnacles. The smallest stupa is approximately 8 feet in diameter, while the largest measures about 23.5 feet.

Preservation and Current Status

Efforts to preserve the site began in 1948 when the archaeology department acquired seven acres. However, due to land occupation, the protected area was reduced to about three acres by 1965 and has since diminished further to less than one acre. Currently, Ancient Kadurugoda Viharaya is officially designated as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka and is maintained by the Sri Lankan army.