Kushta Raja Gala in Weligama was built as a Mahayana Buddhist site, with an exceptional statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The name of the place translates as king with a skin condition, in which a foreign ruler with a skin disease is supposed to have disembarked here at Weligama to be treated by a local physician. Another version of the story tells of the King of Anuradhapura the time-7th to 9th Centuries AD-made an offering to the god Natha to help the foreigner. All that remains of the place where the Kushta Raja Gala is located today, are a massive rock-face into which a niche is carved. In that niche is a figure of the chief figure in Mahayana, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. He stands with his back flat against the rock face with his hands in a symbolic gesture. Both hands are raised. One fist is clenched tight while the other is in a gesture of reassurance. His jewelry includes both an elaborate headdress and a wonderfully detailed necklace and a few chains around his neck.

Even the figure’s drapery is elegant and form-fitting, with particular emphasis given to his sash. Even today, people in the area believe that this statue has healing powers and thus make occasional offerings. It is among the only remaining pieces from this era from deep in the Wet Zone. However, the relative obscurity of the place means it is one of the least-known historical places in Sri Lanka.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass