Photo: Vishvax (talk) (Uploads) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsBuduruwagala Rock Shrine
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
A vertical granite cliff face featuring seven colossal figures carved in high relief, dominated by a 15.5m central Buddha flanked by Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya.
Why it matters
The largest rock-cut Mahayana Buddhist sculptural relief ensemble in Sri Lanka, retaining original orange stucco plastering.
Description
Created during the 9th to 10th centuries CE when Mahayana Tantric Buddhist doctrines flourished in the regional principalities of Ruhuna. Associated patrons (as supplied): Mahayana Tantric Guilds. Key features to look for: 15.5-meter central Buddha figure carved into the cliff face; Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara relief wearing an elaborate headdress; Ancient oil-lamp carving at the base of the rock wall; Dense forest and lotus pond setting fronting the rock monument.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Archaeological Reserve Schedule
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.