Known as the Dambulla Cave Temple this monumental temple complex is tucked away within verdant forests 159 km from Colombo, the country’s capital. Renowned as the most well-preserved cave temple site in the nation the sacred environs of Dambulla Temple are located at a cloud grazing height of 160 metres. Sprawled across its five massive caves are 153 Buddha statues, 2100 square metres worth of ancient murals and other sculptures of past monarchs and Hindu gods. Dambulla is in fact a region of Sri Lanka that is literally littered with caves as this quaint quarter reportedly boasts nearly 80 caves.
Constructed by King Valagambhahu as far back as 1st century B.C the Dambulla temple is also the country’s best preserved ancient structure. Highlights include the “Devaraja Lena” or the “Cave Of The Divine King” which contains a 14m stone Buddha statue carved from the cave’s rock. Depicted in a reclining posture the statue is flanked by other statues such as that of Ananda Thero at the base of the feet and Lord Vishnu towering overhead. The Hindu deity is in fact credited with having created the cave complex according to legend. As the largest of the five caves the Devaraja Lena is 7m tall and 52 m wide.
The Cave of the Great Kings on the other hand houses 56 Buddha statues and a dagaba. The venue is also home to a sacred spring that drips water from the roof of the cave. Exquisite murals that date back to the 18th century are also found on the ceiling. The Great New Monastery is another point of interest as it is home to a whopping 50 statue figures of Lord Buddha as well as a sculpture of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha.
The two remaining caves are uniform in size and stature and a Vishnu Devale is located at the crux where the two meet. Offering guests panoramic views of the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress the Dambulla Temple compound is frequented by Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims all year round.
