Overview
Kushtarajagala is a small rocky island just offshore in Weligama Bay, bearing a large 4-metre rock-carved figure generally interpreted as a Mahayana Buddhist Bodhisattva — possibly an early rendering of Avalokitesvara (Kuan Yin), the Bodhisattva of compassion. The carving, dating to approximately the 5th century CE, stands in shallow water close enough to the shore to be clearly visible and is locally known by the legend of “Cusa Raja” — a king who was cured of leprosy (kushtaroga) by the divine intervention of the figure, hence the name Kushtarajagala (“leprosy king’s rock”). The statue is now partially submerged at high tide and is more completely visible at low tide. It stands as a remarkable example of Sri Lanka’s Mahayana Buddhist heritage — a tradition that flourished briefly in the 4th–7th centuries before giving way to the Theravada practice dominant today.
Highlights
- 5th-century CE rock-carved Bodhisattva — rare evidence of Mahayana Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Partially submerged at high tide — fully visible at low tide
- Set on a small rocky island just offshore in Weligama Bay
- The legend of the leprosy king adds a compelling human story
- Part of Sri Lanka’s extraordinary artistic heritage from the early medieval period
- Clearly visible from the Weligama Beach road
- Accessible by wading at low tide or by small boat
- An extraordinary heritage discovery within sight of the surf beach
Best Time to Visit
Low tide for the clearest view of the full statue. Year-round.
Activities
- Statue viewing from the beach
- Wade or boat trip to the island for closer study
- Photography of the coastal rock carving
- Historical and cultural appreciation
Suitable For
History and art enthusiasts, Buddhist heritage travellers, curious travellers
Nearby Attractions
- Weligama Bay (adjacent)
- Weligama Turtle Bay (10 min walk)
- Mirissa Beach (10 min drive)
- Matara (20 min drive)
- Polhena Beach (20 min drive)
Travel Tips
- Visible from the beach — no visit to the island is necessary for a good view
- A telephoto lens captures the carving details well from the shore
- Low tide adds approximately 50% more of the figure to view
- The legend of the leprosy king is best explained by a local guide
- A short boat ride from Weligama beach operators gets you closest
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