Kushtaraja Gala

Kushtarajagala is a statue sculpted on the face of a rock situated within the Weligama town area in close proximity to Aggrabodhi Vihara.

This statue of Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara is one of the finest Mahayana sculptures found in Sri Lanka. There are various legends associated with the name and the construction of this statue.

The favourite among them seems to be that this was constructed under the patronage of a prince who had a skin disease that was cured at this site. Another legend attributes the construction to an Indian Raja (King) who suffered from a skin disease and who came on a pilgrimage to Aggrabodhi Vihara and made a vow at the shrine of God of Vishnu to offer alms if he recovered from his ailment.

According to another legend, a Sinhala king who had a skin disease was cured at this site and was responsible for carving the figure. The Sri Lankan chronicle records that King Aggrabodhi IV (667-683 AD), famed as a just king, suffered from an incurable disease and had got this sculpture made under his patronage. Since Aggrabodhi IV lived in Ruhuna for a long time, he may have constructed this statue.

This statue belonging to the 7th 8th centuries AD had been carved inside a niche on the rock to protect it from the ravages of the weather.

This statue is also referred to as a statue of God Natha, Maithree Bodhisattva as well as Avalokitesvara, which are different names used to identify the next Buddha to be born. The statue is 383cm in height and 102cm in width and is heavily draped in elaborate ornaments and clothes.

This is one of the most beautiful and intricately carved statues in Sri Lanka, suggestive of the influence of Mahayana Buddhism in the country in the 7th8th centuries.

(Heritage of Ruhuna by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P55)

Unique Sri Lanka

Kushtaraja Gala at Weligama

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