There are hundreds of beautiful and intriguing things to see during a visit to the famous Sigirya rock, but the one part that has captured the attention of most visitors is the fascinating Sigirya frescoes; here, paintings of elegant and richly adorned women appearing to float on their celestial clouds have captured the gaze at onlookers for years.
The Sigiriya Paintings are protected in a sheltered rock depression, a hundred meters above ground. All the figures are of women, both young and old, decked with jewellery, bangles, necklaces, tiaras and holding flowers; there are no two similar figures among them. They are popularly known as the ‘Sigiri Apsara’ (Celestial nymphs) or Sigiri Damsels. There are around 21 paintings in this area although many say there were at least a hundred more that are now lost due to damage to the rock surface.
The frescoes are separated from the rest of the area by a metallic enclosure with one staircase leading into it and another out. Due to their popularity and limited spacing, the queues to see the damsels can get quite long. If you’re staying at one of the Resorts in Sri Lanka situated close by, like the Theme Resorts & Spas hotel for example, then try to climb Sigiriya early morning so you can enjoy the sight of the frescoes before it gets too crowded and hot.
There’s varying stories about who these women were, some say they are celestial nymphs carrying blessed flowers to shower down upon the king while other believe these are images of his queens and concubines. There are even stories that suggest the women are regal manifestations of Tara, a goddess worshipped by early Buddhists.
They have been the subject of speculation for over a one thousand years; but whatever their story may be, these nymphs continue to capture our imaginations with their enigmatic smiles and beauty.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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