Gal Vihara (Uttararama)

What is this site?

Monolithic granite cliff-face containing four colossal Buddha statues: a seated Dhyana Mudra Buddha, a cave image (Vidyadhara Guha), a standing image, and a 14m recumbent figure.

Why it matters

The pinnacle of medieval Sinhala rock-cut sculpture, displaying classical proportion and psychological depth in stone.

Description

Commissioned by King Parakramabahu the Great as the centerpiece of Uttararama monastery following his unification of the Buddhist Sangha. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Parakramabahu I. Key features to look for: 14-meter colossal reclining Buddha depicting Parinirvana; Standing 7-meter figure with arms crossed (Para-Dukkha-Dukkhitha); Seated Buddha inside the carved Vidyadhara Guha cavern; Rock inscription containing King Parakramabahu's Polonnaruwa Katikawatha.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): UNESCO Ref: 201 (1982); Gazetted Monument

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.

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