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Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is located in the central part of the country, near the town of Dambulla. The temple complex is renowned for its ancient cave temples, stunning murals, and numerous Buddha statues. Here are some key features and information about the Dambulla Cave Temple:

1. Historical Significance: The Dambulla Cave Temple has a history that dates back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba took refuge in these caves during an invasion. After regaining his throne, he converted the caves into a rock temple.

2. Cave Complex: The temple complex consists of five caves that are carved into a large granite rock. These caves are interconnected and house a vast collection of Buddhist murals, sculptures, and statues.

3. Buddha Statues: The caves contain over 150 statues of Buddha in various poses and sizes. The largest and most impressive is a 14-meter long reclining Buddha statue in the first cave.

4. Wall Paintings: The interiors of the caves are adorned with intricate and well-preserved ancient frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as various deities and historical events.

5. Cave Names and Themes:
– Cave 1: The Devaraja Lena (Cave of the Divine King) features a 14-meter long reclining Buddha statue.
– Cave 2: The Maharaja Lena (Cave of the Great Kings) contains statues of standing and seated Buddhas.
– Cave 3: The Maha Alut Viharaya (Great New Temple) features a stupa and various seated Buddha statues.
– Cave 4: The Pachima Viharaya (Western Temple) includes a large statue of the meditating Buddha.
– Cave 5: The Devana Alut Viharaya (Second New Temple) houses various Buddha statues and paintings.

6. Golden Temple: The exterior of the caves and the surrounding area are adorned with a golden facade, giving the temple its nickname, the “Golden Temple of Dambulla.”

7. Cultural Importance: The Dambulla Cave Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is considered one of the most well-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka.

8. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1991, the Dambulla Cave Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural, archaeological, and artistic significance.

9. Visitor Facilities: The site has facilities for visitors, including a museum that provides more information about the history and significance of the temple complex.

Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple offers not only a spiritual experience but also an opportunity to admire the ancient art and architecture that has been preserved for centuries. The site attracts both pilgrims and tourists interested in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Kindly be advised that there is an entrance fee for visiting The Dambulla Cave Temple.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 5th Century ‘Fortress in the Sky’,
which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island.
It is also known as The Lion Rock because of the huge lion
that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace
on the summit of the 600 feet high rock.

On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, water tanks
to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses.
On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala
secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels
still shining in their original colors.

The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses,
Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

Kandy

Kandy

The hill capital Kandy is another ‘World Heritage Site’.

It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement.
To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala, where the Queens stayed, but now used for the National Museum.
Meda Wasala where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse.

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