Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO world heritage site) can be reached from Kandy(68 km) along A9 road or directly from Colombo. Moreover, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is Located at a height of 1118 feet above sea level, also Dambulugala raises as a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla. Moreover, It is home to the world’s most acclaimed cave complex of magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings of vivid colours dating back from the 2nd century BC to the 18th century, thus forming an unbroken line of Sri Lanka history and painting through 2500 years.
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of the majority of Sri Lanka practised by 70% of Sri Lanka’s population. Theravada Buddhism and religion have long influenced culture is particularly strong in the southern and central regions of the country. Before Visit, find out about these practical label tips.
Never touch or pat the top of a Buddhist monk’s head, including small children in temples. This seen as disrespectful.
Don’t take selfies with a statue of a Buddha.
Also, don’t turn your back on any figure of the Buddha.
Don’t share appropriate clothes when you are going to religious sites or temples.
Keep in mind that on full moon days, Poya (monthly) is not possible to serve or sell alcohol. Even in these days, no meat is sold in the markets.
If you have Buddha tattoos on your body, you must take care to hide them because it is considered disrespectful to have a Buddha image on your body.
The incredible Royal Rock Temple complex is located about 160 m above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. Moreover, It consists of five separate caves containing about 150 extraordinary images and statues depicting the Buddha; considered among the most important and evocative works of religious art in Sri Lanka. However, the first likenesses of the Buddha were created here over 2000 years ago, while further additions and embellishments were made under the following kings.
From the caves, there are splendid views of the surrounding countryside; Sigiriya, which is 20 km away, is visible. Also, It was believed that Dambulla was used as a place of worship starting from the 1st century BC; when King Valagamba (also known as Vattagamani Abhaya), driven out by Anuradhapura, took refuge in Dambulla.
Once the throne was regained, the sovereign had the interior of the caves carved to make a series of magnificent rock temples. Moreover, Later rulers added others decorations; among them Nissanka Malla, who had the entrance to the caves gilded (hence the name Ran Giri, or “golden rock”). Although the reworking of the original works of art and the creation of new ones continued until the 20th century, the general appearance of the complex is surprisingly harmonious.
The first cave, whose name means “temple of the king of the gods”, houses a 15 m long reclining Buddha. Nearby are depicted Ananda, the faithful disciple of the Buddha, and other seated Buddhas. A statue of Vishnu is kept inside a small shrine in the cave.
The “temple of the great king” is undoubtedly the most spectacular cave. It measures 52 m from east to west and 23 m from the entrance to the back wall; the highest point of the ceiling reaches 7 m. The cave is named after the two statues of kings placed inside. Entering, on the left, you can see a painted wooden figure depicting King Valagamba and later one of King Nissanka Malla. The central statue of the Buddha, once probably covered with gold leaf, is placed under a Makara Torana (portico decorated with dragons) and has the right hand raised in the protective gesture of the Abhaya mudra (which offers protection). In the cave are also represented some Hindu gods, and there is a container to collect water that constantly drips from the ceiling of the temple (even in times of drought) and which used for rituals.
It seems that this cave, the ‘new great temple’, formerly served as a warehouse and was transformed into a temple only in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy, one of the last monarchs of this city. Also, this cave is full of statues of the Buddha, among which one of exquisite workmanship that shows him lying down, and is separated from the Cave II only by a masonry partition.
The relatively small ‘western cave’ is actually not the one to the west, which is instead the Grotta V. The Buddha in the centre is seated under a Torana Makara and has his hands placed in the gesture of the dhyana mudra (meditative posture with cupped hands). The small dagoba (Buddhist reliquary) in the centre was damaged by some thieves who believed it contained the jewels that belonged to Queen Somawathie.
This more recent cave, which was once used as a warehouse, now houses the so-called “second new temple“. Inside there are a reclining Buddha and some Hindu gods, including Kataragama (Murugan) and Vishnu.
At the foot of the hill of cave temples stands the modern Golden Temple, a slightly kitsch taste built-in 2000 thanks to Japanese donations. At the top of this cubic building, there is a seated Buddha depicted in the dhamma chakra mudra (turn of the wheel of the Dhamma) position and a huge neon sign.
With Book Now and Pay Later Program, you can enjoy your Vacation in Sri Lanka months before. You can lock down your travel dreams Paying a minimum deposit payment of 30% of the total cost. You can pay the balance up until 60 days before the tour commencement date – leaving you to enjoy the holiday countdown without the financial worry. It is interest-free, you don’t need to worry about being charged the inflated rates that come along with loans or credit cards. All that’s left to do is get excited about your next trip! It is valid all year, except for the July 15 - August and December. if you have planned to visit Sri Lanka one of those months the deposit will be is to 60%. Please note that the cancellation will not refund the deposit. more information
Buddhism in Sri Lanka
A Short History:
Wonderful 15-day spiritual tour in Sri Lanka, bursting with cultural richness, many stunning historical landscapes and fabulous sacred sites with intriguing history. Commencing from Negombo, you will explore the former capital cities and discover more than 9 amazing ancient monuments and temples, such as: The Sacred City of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sigiriya rock fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the incredible stone cave temple in Dambulla, the Ancient Kingdom of Yapahuwa, Arankele Ancient Monastery and the Mysterious Forest Monastery of Ritigala.
What type of Buddhism is practised in Sri Lanka? Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka, with about 70% of the country’s population as followers.
There are around 6,000 Buddhist monasteries on Sri Lanka with approximately 15,000 monks.
The Siddhartha Gautama’s (Buddha) first visit was in the ninth month after Buddhahood on Duruthu (January) Full Moon Day.(1 B.E. or 528 B.C.)
How did Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka?
Buddhism came to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE. After the Third Buddhist council by Arhanthà Mahinda Thero, son of Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura.
The religion is 2,500 years old and is followed by 350 million Buddhists worldwide.