Kushtarajagala Statue — Attraction in Southern Province

The Kushtarajagala can be reached successfully on Matara as it is located on the Weligama Divisional Secretariat Division. It is a really popular place of visiting for the tourists are travelers from all over the globe and not only Sri Lanka. Many archeologists visit the place due to the monuments, statues and other interesting and historic artifacts in the Kushtarajagala. It is located on the Colombo road and it is also a reason of high interest of travel loving people and enthusiasts in the region. There is a famous and huge image of the Avalokiteshvara that is of height 383 cm is placed as a majestic sculpture in the in not only the rock simply but in its niche to be more particular. The estimation of the age of this sculpture can be drawn to the 6-7 AD as the various sculpture features are taken into account for the proper estimation of statue’s age. Statue’s upper part is not covered with anything but the lower part of it is however covered with the decorative girdle and the dhoti. In the statue, various other ornaments have been placed to enhance its beauty by the statue makers. There are a few necklaces in the neck of the statue and many beautifully crafted bangles in its arms.

The feet of Kushtarajagala are also adorned with the presence of anklets. The placement of Vitarka Mudra is on the right hand of statue while the Kataka Hasta Mudra is in the left hand of this historic and well preserved statue. In the statue is said to depict the concept of Mahayana that has prevailed till the 6th to 7th centuries that are A.D. A number of different and fascinating folk stories have also gathered around the Avalokiteshvara.

One of these famous stories considers a prince who came from a foreign country and he was, in fact, ailing from the skin diseases. He then made this statue when he visited the Agrabodhi Vihara as he also made a vow and promise to the God. Another story mentions that the statue was build when the price was cured after vowing. Many honeymoon couples, families, etc. are active visitors of the Kushatarajagala. Many magnificent hotels and guest houses in nearby Colombo city make it easier for travelers and tourists to stay in the area. The travel guides consider the Kushtarajagala as a very important aspect of Colombo and its rich traditions. It is a good place to visit with a historic taste...

Although a small place, it is a place of great historical importance and a spectacular statueකුඩා ස්ථානයක් වුවද එය අතිශය ඵෙතිහාසිකව වැදගත් ස්ථානයක් එමෙන්ම දර්ශනීය ප්‍රතිමාවක්

Now a part of the Kustarajagala Viharaya, the larger than life statue is one of the best remaining statues built under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Despite the long believed legend that the statue represents a foreign prince suffering from an incurable skin disease, who sought refuge in Weligama away from the prying eyes of the world, the archaeologists and historians now believe that the statue is of a deity or the Awalokatheesvara Bodhisattva belonging to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism which was a major influence in Sri Lanka during the 6th and 7th centuries AD.

Believed to be once a part of the ancient AggrabodhiViharaya, the temple still retains its ancient charm despite being left to the...

This historical landmark is situated in the tiny fishing hamlet of Weligama along the Galle-Matara (A2) highway in southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. This is just 12 km away from the town of Matara.

Dating back approximately to 1300 years, belonging to the period of 7-9 centuries, this statue carved out of a rock face is one of the best preserved statues of Awalokitheshwara bodhisattva of the history of Mahayana sector in Sri Lanka.

Possessing unique features this statue has many similarities to the Buduruwagala statue in Wellawaya. Kushtarajagala is the only statue in the wet zone of Sri Lanka to be found preserved.

The hamlet of Weligama is steeped in history as it was used as a harbour by foreign traders in ancient times.

Today, Weligama is a bustling tourism hub with numerous hotels and restaurants offering highly commendable services and facilities...