Kushtarajagala is a protected archaeological monument in Weligama featuring an intricately carved 8th-century rock statue of a Bodhisattva, famous for fascinating local legends of a miraculously cured king.

Why visit Kushtarajagala

• A Controversial Identity: The statue’s identity remains a mystery. Scholars debate if it is a king or a Bodhisattva. This adds to its unique allure.
• A Rare Mahayana Buddhist Site: It is a unique Mahayana Buddhist site. Consequently, it stands out in a country known for Theravada Buddhism. This makes it a rare historical piece.
• Legend of the “Kushta King”: The site gets its name from a local legend. A foreign king with a skin disease was supposedly healed there. Therefore, he built the statue out of gratitude.
• Magnificent High-Relief Artistry: It is a magnificent high-relief carving in gneiss rock. The statue features four Buddha images in its headdress. These carvings show great artistic detail.
• Believed to Have Healing Powers: Even today, people believe the statue has healing powers. They make offerings there to cure illnesses. Thus, it remains an active place of reverence.