Seethakanda Ancient Monastery
Seethakanda (Sitakanda, Seetakanda, Sithakanda) aranya is located
in the district of Monaragala and is believed to be dating back to time of
Polonnaruwa Era ( 1017-1236 AD). The area is scattered with ancient ruins
indicating that this was a once populated Aramaic complex.
Currently, there is a small temple is built in two ledged rock caves. Rubber
has been planted on the land in front of the temple destroying most of the
ruins in the complex. There is a foundation of an ancient square building.
Its about 25 meters in length. Granite steps, door frames and many other
parts of the building can be seen scattered around this foundation.
On the second cave you can see may artifacts found on the Aramaic ground
while cleaning the area. These include two conch shells (Hakgedi) where two
small buddha statues, gems and gold deposited inside them.
This whole are is covered with rock boulders and cold steams which has
given rise to the name "Seethakanda". It is also said in folklore
that these streams were used by the princes and princesses of the region
as a bathing spot.
The temple lies about 2 km away from the Monaragala town on the road leading
to Kumarawattha from the town. This road lies next to the main bus stand
of Monaragala.
Primary Source : Pauranika Sidhastana by Sudarma Kumari
Created : October 9, 2010
Updated :
October 10, 2010
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