Located near the city of Jaffna, there are many dome-shaped stone structures that vary in size and are as large as 12 feet in diameter. It is mentioned in some places that about 60 stupas can be seen in this place. The history of the pagodas and the artifacts found during the excavations add to the mystery of this place. Some say that this place was used as an ancient burial ground for about 60 senior Tamil monks. 60 stupas found here. This is the first site excavated by the Sri Lankan Department of Archeology. According to archaeologists, these stupas date back to the 2nd century. Many treasures were buried beneath this place. The place is believed to have been used as a religious site by Tamil monks and also serves as a symbol of reconciliation between Buddhist and Hindu culture in Sri Lanka.

A small buddhist temple hidden away in jaffna. Even my friend from Jaffna didn't know about this place. The place had few army personnel and they took down our details. They were friendly and even had some small conversations with them as well. They asked us not to cross the fence around the small stupas. There is a big board explaining the importance and the background story behind this place.

I had the opportunity to visit Kadurugoda Viharaya, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. The site's ancient stupa ruins and serene surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere that's conducive to reflection and contemplation. While I was there, I learned about the site's rich history and its significance as a place of worship and meditation. The care and preservation of this historical site are evident, and it's heartening to see it being maintained. I also appreciate the welcoming and informative approach of the Sri Lanka Army staff Visiting Kadurugoda Viharaya was a memorable experience that allowed me to connect with the deep roots of Buddhist heritage. I would recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.

It's fully run and controlled by SL army. They are very responsible in maintaining the place and also explain the history of the place to the people who are coming to the place. But there's nothing attractive to see. Within 10 mins we can finish watching the whole area, but reaching the place is quite tough.

Kadurugoda viharaya is a most significant historic place in Jaffna district. The most important historical speciality of pagodas available here. It is expected that more than 60 well recognized structures of pagodas were there. Kandarodei viharaya carries a huge historical value as far as, concern about ancient sri lankan buddism expansion. Among the Buddhist places in Yapa Pattana (Jaffna) Kadurugoda Viharaya or Kantarodai holds an important place in Sri Lanka’s history. This temple is located on the Hunugama (Chunnakam) – Minipe (Manipai) road about 02 KMs from Hunugama. The first archaeological excavation on the site was reported to have been done by Paul. E. Pieris in 1917 and 1919. He found remains of a shrine room, several Buddha images, coins, about 60 small and large Stupas Dagaba pieces of pinnacles of Stupas, pieces of stone with imprints of the Buddha’s foot and tiles from the site. A head and a headless body of a Buddha image are also among the many artefacts found. According to the historical chronicles Nagadipa is the place where Buddha made his second visit to Sri Lanka. The famous sermon he preached to Chulodara and Mahodara over their dispute was made at this Kadurugoda area. The exact place where Buddha made his sermon is called Rajyathana Chetiya (Stupa) located in Kadurugoda. The place became a venerated place among people after the Buddha’s visit and subsequently a Bo-tree was planted. (Rajayathanan is the Pali word for Bo-tree) H.W. Codrington in his book ‘Coins and Currency in Ceylon’ (1924) has mentioned that number of coins found in the vicinity of the Kadurugoda Viharaya while Mudliyar C. R. Rasanayagam in his book ‘Ancient Jaffna’ (1926) mentions that there were ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple in Kadurugoda. The archaeological excavation site in Kadurugoda was known among the local people as “Kayangana”. This is the Tamilized version of the Sinhala word Gayangana. This may be the old name used by Sinhalese as Buddha came to Sri Lanka from Gaya Rata. A piece of a Black-Red pot with letters belonging to the pre-historic period was found in Kadurugoda area. Similar pieces of Black-Red pots with letters were found from Gedige area in Anuradhapura too. Both pieces found in Kadurugoda and Gedige had old Sinhala Brahmi letters with Sinhala names. References to this temple are also found in the Nam Potha written in Kandyan Period.

Its a believe that lord buddha has spent some time here when lord buddha has com to sri lanka to sort out some matters between king Chulodara and Mahodara. Also believe that 60 monks were died due to food poisoned and their ashes were buried in this place. No proper roads and facilities available in this area.

🤩 A very beautiful and incredibly peaceful archaeological site here in Jaffna! 🤗 Its very clean and controlled by the Sri Lankan Army, there was no entrance fee and they were very kind to us, they even gave us a packet of rice and curry which is so so nice! ☸️ The small pagodas/dagobas are very old and ancient, there are sign boards explaining the history of the place and it is said that 60 monks are buried here due to being food poisoned. 🪷 A great place to come for any nature lovers, it is covered in beautiful greenery and some chickens/hens roaming there also. Quiet and peaceful place away from noise and cars. :) Much love ❤️

this area had been with ancient human settlements.and located at a height of 28-30 feet above mean sea-level.  According to a historic legend, Buddha resolved a throne dispute between two Naga kings named Culodara and Mahodara in Nagadipa and stayed in retreat for some time. Sixty monks who lived in Puvanativu (Punkudutivu) attained the 'Arahantship' and died after consuming poisoned food and their ashes were buried in this placcaaworld to reveal the historic antiquities of the region. Subsequently Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology conducted an excavationon archaeological research in 1966 in Kantarodai and discovered 57 small and medium sized Buddhist Stupas. Architectural skills could be recognized in these stupas and these stupas have been conserved with coral and lime stones for preservation. Architectural features of a stupaghara could be seen among the stupas as well.

Good place to visit if you’re traveling jaffna. Place that lord Buddha has visited and it’s a sacred place. You can see number of small ‘sthupa’ there. The place is taken care by the SL army and its in good condition.

This place also called Kantharodei. This is a archeological site located in Chunnakam.In ancient period this area is also called Kadiramalei. This place was a Buddhist monastery. These domes were reconstructed by department of archeology.These structures built over burials demonstrate the integration of buddhism with megalithsm.Kantharodei is only site where such burial are seen in Sri Lanka.

The history of this place is mentioned very clearly on the slab. SL Army is providing security and maintenance of this Archeological site and we can offer their daily needs like oil, lanterns, brooms, brushes etc

According to local belief, it is widely held that Lord Buddha once graced this very location during his visit to Sri Lanka to mediate a dispute between King Chulodara and Mahodara. This sacred site is believed to hold historical significance as the resting place for the ashes of 60 unfortunate monks who tragically lost their lives to food poisoning. The solemn grounds serve as a reminder of their sacrifice and are revered by many. However, it is disheartening to note that this area lacks essential infrastructure, such as proper roads and basic facilities, which hampers accessibility and convenience for visitors. The absence of adequate development hinders the ability to fully appreciate and pay respects to the religious and historical importance of this significant place.

Think it is ancient place. No real description about the place. Not a very attractive place in the jaffna peninsula...

Can be easily accessed by a vehicle. This is a ancient temple with a good historical value.

Clean and well kept garden. But stupas need more attention for conservation.

A well maintained place and a very small area.hard to find this place without google map I wasn't able to visit there.but calm place and maintained by SL Army. A very very old ancient place.

Place witha historic importance. Good place to visit if you go to jaffna. There are many small stupas in this historic site.

Very calm & nice place. This temple is protected by the army and they described us about this temple's ancient history.

A must visit place as a SrLankan or anyone else who is visiting Sri Lanka. The history of Kadurugoda Vihara goes back to the Anuradhapura era. During the time period of King Devanpiya Thissa, theri Sangamitta arrived to Dambakolapatuna in Sri Lanka with a sapling of Sri Maha Bodhi. It is said that the road to Anuradhapura from Dambakolapatuna was through this Kadurugoda Vihara area and before going to Anuradhapura she has visited this temple. In 1981, a stone pillar with an inscription in Medieval Sinhala was unearthed from this site. Dated in the reign of King Dappula IV (923-935 A.D.), the inscription contains a regal proclamation of the bequest of gifts and benefits made to a Buddhist place of worship.This inscription is presently placed in the Jaffna Archaeological Museum. In 1948 the archaeology department purchased seven acres around this area to preserve this site. But due to land occupation by local residents, the area had been reduced to about three acres in 1965. Currently the land has been reduced into less than one acre. Currently this temple has been declared as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka and is maintained by the Sri Lankan army.

Here are some pictures from my recent visit to this temple and monuments. Entrance free and wheelchair can access.

A peaceful experience with rich history. Make sure to talk with the army personnel there to know about what happened here. Would recommend to anyone for a visit

An ancient Buddhist archaeological site situated near uduvil, kantarodai. There believed to be 60 small to medium sized pagodas with sacred remains of 60 arahath theros but only 57 pagodas or their evidences have been discovered so far according to the records. Pagodas are made from corals and limestone.

Ancient Buddhist temple and site of 57 dagobas . While some have perished there are around 10-15 to be viewed. It's unclear about the reason these monuments were built. It's conjectured that these are the resting place of several monks. The site is guarded by the army and remains one of the last ancient Buddhist sites in the Jaffna District

a heritage site which seems to have been missed out by the typical tourist sight seeing spots. At a glance the globe like constructions seems like upturned large terra cotta bowls :) Its always nice to visit these kind of quaint places less infested with tourists

Located 3km away from Chunnakam town.. Very ancient Kantharodaya/kadurugoda settlement is a archeological site and earliest settlement of SL.. Kantharodai/Kandurugoda viharaya have 57 small and medium size stupa which constructed burring ashes of 60 monks who attained the Arahantship and died eating poisoned food lived at punkadathivu island.. This archeological site should further conserved and secured. Nice place to visit at Jaffna Peninsula since its quite related to ancient buddhist civilization..

According to Mahavamsa the history of Kadurugoda Vihara goes back to the Anuradhapura era.[1] During the time period of King Devanpiya Thissa, theri Sangamitta arrived to Dambakolapatuna in Sri Lanka with a sapling of Sri Maha Bodhi. It is said that the road to Anuradhapura from Dambakolapatuna was through this Kadurugoda Vihara area and before going to Anuradhapura she has visited this temple.[2] In 1981, a stone pillar with an inscription in Medieval Sinhala was unearthed from this site. Dated in the reign of King Dappula IV (923-935 A.D.), the inscription contains a regal proclamation of the bequest of gifts and benefits made to a Buddhist place of worship. [3] This inscription is presently placed in the Jaffna Archaeological Museum. This temple is referred to in 'Nampotha', a book compiled during the 15th century, as Kadurugoda Viharaya of the Demalapattanama

Buddhist historical location. Dozens of mini stupas in a small area. Supposed to be of Arahath theros . Under construction and no established temple. History runs towards an era where, Lord Buddhas visit to Nagadeepa.

Small temple area with a history. Parking available and the place is being maintained by the SL army.

This is a buddhist sacred temple that also believes as a very first colony in Jaffna peninsula by Sinhalese. It is saying that, there were deaths of sixty Arihath thero in this place due to a food poisoning. Number of small scaled pagodas can be believed built after the deaths of buddhist monks and memorizing them.

Historical Place for buddhists. There are stupas to see And it is beileved that these are built as memorials for 60 Rahath theros who passed away as a result of having poisoned food. .

An ancient Buddhist religious place. Parking and toilet facilities available. Road to here through Chunnakkan is bit difficult since road is not carpet.