08/11/2017
Agrabodhi Temple
The Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya at Weligama is an ancient temple which dates back to times of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC). According the Bodhivamsa, the chronicle of the Holy Bodhi Tree, the very first of the Bodhi saplings out of the first thirty two saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi was planted at this temple grounds during the time of King Devanampiyatissa.
Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya’s antiquity is also demonstrated by the finding of a ‘Ashtamangala Shilawa’ or the “Ata Magala” stone (Eight fold prosperity stone) which was used as the foundation stone of temples belonging to the Anuradhapura Era. This is about 6 inches on sides and 1 inch thick. This stone is considered the most complete Ata Magala (Ashtamangala / Astamangala) ever to be found where the eight carvings can be clearly identified.
The Buddha Image house and the paintings inside belongs to the Kandyan Era.
Kushtarajagala
Middle of Weligama city there is ancient statue which doesn't identify yet, there is a few explanation about the status according to the archaeological.Some archaeologists say this a statue of Natha Bodhisatta (A person who expect to be Lord Buddha one day) some people said this is a rural king of down south.According to some other facts, it is a statue of a foreign king who came to Weligama for getting treatment.Anyhow this is a statue which has more than 2000 years.The full statue was made by stone and it has shaped most of the expressions in the finest way.The massive rock face niche is carved both hands are raised and one fist is clenched very tightly and that is one of tremendous and well creation of ancient sculpture. There is no other evidence about the statue or related things nearby.
