In the long forgotten 16th century, a king named Sangili was ruling in the Jaffna Peninsula. He was brutally harassing 60 Arhat Bhikkus who were practicing meditation in the area. The innocent Bhikkus decided to leave the country and go to India. As they were on the way, they were asked to visit the area called Kadurugoda to accept alms giving of the locals. The Bhikkus were served a mushroom curry, which was poisoned. All of the 60 Bhikkus died that day after consuming the food that was served to them. It is said that the stupas in the Kadurugoda Viharaya was built enshrining the remains of these 60 Bhikkus who died that day. Of course, this is story that has been carried down from generation to generation. According to another story, the 60 Arhat Bhikkus died because of a famine.
The stories that are weaved about the Kadurugoda Viharaya truly make it an interesting site. The viharaya was discovered by Paul E. Peiris, who was the Jaffna District Magistrate at the time. A total of 56 stupas were discovered but only 20 can be seen today. Ruins of a shrine room, coloured tiles, parts of Buddha statues as well as Buddha foot imprints were discovered during the excavations which were carried out. Ancient coins which belong to 1st Parakumba, Malla, Leelawathi and Bhuwanekabahu’s times were also uncovered. You will be able to find many of these artefacts displayed in the Jaffna Museum.
Kadurugoda Viharaya is located in Jaffna. In fact, it is one of the very few Buddhist temple located in Jaffna. The site is maintained by the Sri Lankan Army today. As you travel in the region with Green Holiday Centre, you will be able to visit it with great ease. Try to learn as much as you can about these places of interest. So you will be able to make your tours a lot more interesting.
