Hatthikuchchi Archelogical Site, North Western Province, Sri Lanka



Antient literacy source records this monastery as Hatthikuchchi vihraya or Ethkus vehera. the meaning of this words are that Hatthi or Eth mean "Elephant"  and Kus or Kuchchi mean "Stomach".  An inscription belong to 2nd century A.D. records name Athikuchchiya Vharehi. This name would have been given because of the shape of the rock in the vihara premises is similar to belly of an elephant. The founder of vihara is not clear. However, according to early Brahmi inscription of this monastery the origin of this vihara definitely occurred in B.C.(Before Christ).

The earliest record of this vihara(Monastery) is fond in description of Sahassavathupakarana(one of Sri Lanka historical document) written in reign of King Saddhatissa. Mahawansa(Great Chronicle) records that King Agrabodhi Vii constructed prasada(Bulidings) of Ethkus vehera and King Dappula ii renovated prasada. This monastery is also considered as very important from  Before Christ era as there are more than 50 inscriptions dated from 1st century A.D. to  5th century A.D.          

      


No literary sources found are found after  9th century A.D. on Hatthikuchchi viharaya and presently this has become popular among public as the place where King Siri Sangabo gave (i.e.  donated) his head to the peasant. Further, it can be decided this vihara was inhabited in Kandyan period according to the  cave image house which belong to this period. 

The very important ancient monuments of this vihara are Poyage, Prathimage, Vatadage, Bodhigara and Jantagara. Further,There are around drip ledged caves and remains of ancient structures like dwelling houses.    

  

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