15/12/2024
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ฅ๐
The primary objective of this article about Hatthikuchchi Vihara is to highlight the hidden gems of Sri Lankan history and promote tourism in the area, aiming to uplift the living standards of the people in Giribawa, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka.
Giribawa is a small town located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, within the Kurunegala District. According to the 2012 Sri Lankan census, the population was estimated at approximately 31,412. The main source of income of the people is agriculture, including the cultivation of paddy, coconut, spices, vegetables, and fruits etc.
๐๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ
The site is located about 40 km south of Anuradhapura and is accessible via the A28 road. Visitors typically travel through Padeniya or Galgamuwa to reach the Mahagalkadawala junction, from where signage guides them to the temple complex.
Giribawa is home to four main significant ancient Buddhist monasteries:
1. ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฆ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
2. ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
3. ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
4. ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
5. Mangalagama Monastery
Additionally, The Giribawa was an ancient glass bead manufacturing site, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is located near the canter of these monasteries, adding further historical and cultural significance to the area.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
Hatthikuchchi Monastery, whose history is somewhat controversial due to a lack of reliable information.
The name "Hatthikuchchi" translates to "elephantโs stomach" in Pali, inspired by the area's unique topography.
The question of where King Sirisangabo, a revered donor in Sri Lankan royal history, donated his head has been a topic of discussion and research among archaeologists and scholars for centuries. There are two prevailing views on the matter:
1. Attanagalla Vihara in Siyane Korale, Gampaha District: One school of thought believes this was the location.
2. Rajaangana Hatthikucchi Vihara in Egoda Galgamuwa, near the โMi Oyaโ in the Vanni Hatpattu region, Kurunegala District: Another theory identifies this site.
Despite these conflicting views, a conclusive answer remains elusive due to the lack of definitive records or place names in ancient sources. Investigating and presenting the location where King Sirisangabo sacrificed his head would be a noble contribution to the nation's history.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ก ๐ข๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐:
1. Ancient texts
2. Inscriptions
3. Archaeological remains
4. Folklore
Evaluating these sources impartially and basing conclusions on evidence is critical, as oral traditions or casual observations are insufficient for scholarly judgments. Additionally, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both sites through direct exploration and analysis is necessary.
๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ซ๐: ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐
The claim that the Attanagalla Vihara is the site of King Sirisangabo's sacrifice rests largely on the โAttanagalla Vihara Chronicleโ. However, the absence of corroborative evidence in other sources raises doubts. The structures described in the chronicle do not align with the existing archaeological remains at the modern Attanagalla site.
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ซ๐: ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐
The Hatthikucchi Vihara site in Kurunegala has been supported by various inscriptions and archaeological findings. By the 5th century CE, this monastery had developed into a prominent religious center. Ancient commentaries describe it as a meditative retreat during the time of Saddhatissa (137โ119 BCE).
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐:
1. Extensive Inscriptions: Over 60 inscriptions, some damaged but others containing valuable historical information, confirm its significance from the 3rd century BCE to the 10th century CE.
2. Buddhaghosaโs Commentaries: In the 5th century CE, the renowned scholar Buddhaghosa described Hatthikucchi as a flourishing monastery.
3. Archaeological Remains: Spanning 300 acres, the site contains ruins of stupas, meditation halls, a three-story relic chamber, and various other structures indicative of a thriving monastic complex.
4. Folklore and Royal Patronage: Several kings, including Agbo I, Agbo VII, and Dappula V, contributed to its development.
๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐ฎ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ
Initially, Hatthikucchi was a hermitage for meditative monks. It later gained prominence due to the sacrifice of King Sirisangabo and subsequent royal patronage. Structures like a "pohoya-ge" (assembly hall) and other ruins reflect its historical importance. The site also includes inscriptions referencing donations and support provided by kings and nobles.
๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
Hatthikucchi Vihara faced significant destruction during different periods, including Mahasenโs anti-Mahavihara campaigns and the Kalinka Magha invasions. Despite its decline, the site retains remnants of its former grandeur, showcasing its long-standing role as a center of spiritual and cultural significance.
The archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and ancient texts overwhelmingly favor Hatthikucchi Vihara as the site of King Sirisangabo's sacrifice. While Attanagalla Vihara remains a respected religious site, it lacks sufficient evidence to support its claim. Further investigations and preservation efforts at Hatthikucchi Vihara would greatly enhance our understanding of its historical significance.
๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ
Despite its historical significance, Hatthikuchchi remains relatively less visited, making it a serene destination for those interested in Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist heritage and natural beauty. Excavations and partial restorations have preserved its unique character, blending cultural history with the tranquillity of its rural setting.
Thank You,
Pradeep Rathnayake.
