History of Kushtarajagala statue near Weligama surf camps

Asked about 6 hours agoViewed 611 times
N
Noah S.1285 rep2
asked about 6 hours ago

There is a massive rock carved statue called Kushtarajagala right near the main road in Weligama. What is the history of this, and is it a Buddhist or Hindu site.

32
asked about 6 hours ago
N
Noah S.1285 rep2

2 Answers

Accepted Answer

The Kushtarajagala is a fascinating 8th-9th century Mahayana Buddhist relief carving. It is believed to represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Local legend says a foreign king suffering from a skin disease (Kushta) was cured here, hence the name. It is a protected archaeological site right in the middle of the surfing hub.

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answered about 6 hours ago
R
Rajan P.320 rep1

It is so easy to miss because everyone is looking at the ocean. It is just set back slightly from the main Galle-Matara road.

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answered about 6 hours ago
L
Lucas M.655 rep2

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