Ochchappu Kallu is a ruined Buddhist monastery in Wilpattu. Early Brahmi inscriptions and King Kanittha Tissa’s grant reveal its historic significance
Ochchappu Kallu (Wilpattu National Park) O chchappu Kallu or Ancient Kuba Vehera (Sinhala: විල්පත්තු ඔච්චප්පුකල්ලු නටඹුන්) is a site with the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery located within the woods of Wilpattu National Park on the boundary between Anuradhapura and Puttalam Districts, Sri Lanka. It is situated about 8 miles inland from Kudiramale , an ancient port town on the west coast of the island. Ochchappu Kallu is considered the largest monastery complex found in the National Park (IUCN, 2006). History The history of this monastery site runs back to the pre-Christian era. Several Early Brahmi Cave Inscriptions belonging to the 2nd-1st century B.C. are found in the vicinity of the site (Paranavitana, 1970). Archaeologists believe that the ancient Acha Nagara mentioned in the Thonigala Rock Inscription could be a locality linked to this monastery site (IUCN, 2006). Another rock inscription found at this site, belonging to the reign of King Kanittha Tissa (167-186 A.D.) of Anuradhapura , reveals the ancient name of this…
