Photo: Carlos Delgado · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAvukana Buddha Statue
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Colossal standing Buddha statue standing over 12 meters tall, carved out of living granite rock in high relief, displaying the Asisa Mudra (gesture of blessing).
Why it matters
The finest exemplar of classical rock-carving art in Sri Lanka, displaying delicate pleating on the robe and balanced anatomical proportions.
Description
Attributed to King Dhatusena in the 5th century CE; carved facing the Kala reservoir, demonstrating royal synthesis of religious devotion and irrigation works. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Dhatusena. Key features to look for: Frontal orthographic perspective of the 12m standing statue; Detailed close-up of the pleated drapery folds carved from granite; Double-lotus (Siraspata) pedestal carvings; Surrounding brick foundations of the ancient (Gedige).
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazetted National Monument Reserve
Visiting responsibly
Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.