The
name 'Hatthikuchchi' is a pali word meaning 'Elephant Stomach'. Its closest
Sinhalese name is 'Eth Kus wehera' .This names has been given because of a
large rock inside the temple complex which resembles an elephant.The name 'hatthikuchchi' is a pali word
meaning 'elephant belly'.Sinhala name is 'Eth Kus Wehera'.This names has been
given because of a big rock in the temple complicated which resembles an
elephant.Positioned in the scenic landscape overlaying
300 acres, Hatthikuchchi Aramic complex
dates back to 3 rd century BC. However this area is most famous as the
region that exiled king Sirisangabo offered his own head to a pheasant.
Even though king Sirisangabo ruled the country for two years
(251-253 AC) and didn’t built any monuments or irrigation systems, he's one of
the most regarded kings of the history of Sri Lanka.The temple complex is considered to have been
constructed by king Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC) Later for various reasons this
complex become forgotten and by the time of king Sirisangabo this was covered
with jungle.
The main buildings which has been identified
are a Vatadage,a Pohoyage, an image house,some Stupas, an alms hall, ponds,
meditation chambers used at the very early stages of Buddhism, many of stone
inscriptions and many cave dwellings used by meditating monks.From the pinnacle of the mountain you can get
an exquisite view of the jungle below with numerous unusually fashioned boulders
unfold across a big region.
