 Stone carvings |
The Nillakgama Bodhigara (Bo-tree-house) which is considered to be one and only preserved Bodhigara of this nature in the world is facing destruction due to non-maintenance and non-conservation.
This historical Bodhigara built in the 8th century is at Makulewa, Hettigama in the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat division in Kurunegala.
Former Commissioner of Archaeology Dr. Senarath Paranavithana has stated in his book titled Sinhalayo that this type of a Bodhigara cannot be seen anywhere in the world. In an inscription inscribed on a foundation stone it has been mentioned that this Bodhigara was constructed by one regional leader called Monaragal on the instructions of the King Agbo VII, the then ruler of the country.
As this historical place is in a thick jungle at the foot of a tank and as there is no motorable road to reach there, only a few people visit it. Wild elephants too can be seen roaming around the place.
Most visitors are university lecturers and university students who carry out research on historical sites.
A toilet and a rest room constructed by a bhikkhu at this place for visitors are neglected and covered with shrubs. The gravel road leading to this place becomes a quagmire on rainy days.
Residents around the historical place call upon the Minister in charge of National Heritages to look into this matter and take action to renovate the approach road and to preserve this historical place for the benefit of the future generation.