Photo: Lankapic · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia CommonsRangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
The largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, consisting of five principal caverns housing 157 statues and 2,100 square meters of painted murals.
Why it matters
Continuous monastic occupation spanning over twenty-two centuries, containing intact religious art spanning the classical to Kandyan periods.
Description
King Valagamba took refuge here in the 1st century BCE, converting the caves into shrines upon reclaiming his throne; Nissanka Malla gilded the statues in the 12th century. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Valagamba, King Nissanka Malla, King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. Key features to look for: Deva Raja recumbent 14-meter rock-cut Buddha; Maharaja Viharaya ceiling frescoes and sacred dripping vessel; Gilded statue gallery in the Maha Aluth Viharaya cavern; Overhanging drip-ledge exterior facade facing Sigiriya.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): UNESCO Ref: 561 (1991); Gazetted 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.