DAMBULLA ROCK TEMPLE - GOLDEN TEMPLE

In the heart of the island and a wild nature, this exceptional site, perched on a hill, is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991. This temple-cave has been a high place of pilgrimage and Buddhist meditation for over twenty centuries. Its origin dates back to the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This cave monastery impresses for the way it has been preserved: the state of its murals dating from the 13th century (period of the Kandy kings) and recounting the life of Buddha are a perfect example. These frescoes cover a total of 6,000^m2 of walls. Between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries, the temple was transformed, it has undergone many restorations that have made it a sanctuary of color, gold and silver with a total of 5 caves, housing 157 statues.

The origin of this temple dates back to the 1st century BC, when King Vattagamani Abhaya, who fled Anuradhapura to seek refuge in Dambulla in 104 BC, created the cave complex when his title was restored. A huge golden Buddha, donated by Japanese benefactors in 2000, stands at the base of the site, overlooking the Buddhist Museum. The Golden Temple is actually reached some 150 m higher, by stairs on the left of the Buddhist Museum, carved in the stone and invaded by monkeys. The ascent is neither long nor exhausting, and, when the weather is good, the walk is particularly enjoyable.

The Golden Temple is a modern (and very kitsch) temple located at the base of Rock Temple. Its style is very different from the marvelous caves located higher... In short, its visit is dispensable. It was built in 2001 thanks to donations from Japanese benefactors and houses the Buddhist Museum. There are mainly reproductions of Rock Temple paintings and several statues and images of Buddha from local donations but also from all over Asia. Golden Temple is overlooked by a huge golden Buddha Statue.

Rock Temple

Once past the entrance, one enters a vast and long outside courtyard offering a superb view of the area. On the other side of the courtyard, under the rock, a passageway, whose architecture was reworked in 1938, allows individual access to each of the five rooms. Warning: shoulders and knees must be covered inside.

The finely executed frescoes that you are about to discover were renovated in the 13th century. They cover a total of 6,000 square meters of walls and are one of the richest examples of cave art in the world. They are completed by 157 statues (mainly of Buddha) of all sizes. The largest of the rooms measures 52 m by 23 m and 7 m high. The caves now transformed into sanctuaries are only a few of the 80 or so in the vast complex dug out over 22 centuries. The entrances to these "forgotten" caves were walled up as the history of the site progressed. The earliest records of the site date back to the first century AD, when King Vattagamani Abhaya, who had fled Anuradhapura in the face of Indian invaders, took refuge in these caves, which were already occupied by monks.

First hall (Dev Raja Viharaya - Temple of the King of Gods). It owes its name to the god Vishnu whose statue can be found inside. There is a large fresco representing the parinivana, i.e. the end of Buddha's earthly existence and his entry into nirvana, as well as a superb 15 m long statue of a reclining Buddha, and others represented sitting

Second hall (Maha Raja Viharaya - Temple of the Great King). This is the largest hall. It is said to be named after its investigator, who is believed to be King Vattagamani Abhaya. Two statues of kings are placed inside, one of Valagamba, the other of Nissanka Malla, as well as several Hindu deities such as Kataragama, Ganesh, Vishnu and Wat Sama, no less than fifty-three statues of Buddha in various positions and a stupa surrounded by statues of seated Buddhas. The walls are entirely covered with frescoes representing the life of Gautama and the spread of Buddhism on the island.

Third hall (Maha Alut Viharaya - New Great Temple). It is the most recent one. It was built by order of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha whose statue can be seen near the entrance of the hall. There are two large statues of Buddha, one seated under an arch dominated by dragons, and one lying down reminiscent of the statue in Hall 1. One can also appreciate a collection of Buddhas carved in the rock of the hall, and many colorful frescoes representing many seated Buddhas

Fourth hall (Pascima Viharaya - Western Temple). One can contemplate about fifty statues of Buddha seated in meditation performing the dhyana mudra with his hands. The central statue is dominated by a magnificent torana painted in bright colors. Bring a lamp to admire the ceiling which is completely covered with paintings.

Fifth Hall (Devana Alut Viharaya - Second New Temple). This is the newest of the halls. Here too, there is a reclining Buddha, surrounded by numerous statues of reclining and standing Buddhas. Above two of them, one can notice Muchalinda in the form of a cobra, which protected Buddha during his meditation.