Dambulla unlike other cities of Sri Lanka is more about religion
than natural beauty. It is a commercially important city as it stands as
the biggest wholesale markets of Sri Lanka. Apart from the commercial
aspect, Dambulla's economic growth comes from the tourism sector. The
city has been donned with intricately decorated temples and Buddhist
monasteries. These glorious edifices showcase spectacular interiors that
reflect Buddhism and Buddha itself. The interior of the city as well
speaks for Buddhism which one can experience way before entering in the
territory of Dambulla. The Buddhism dominating interiors are exclusive
to the city and make it different from other in Sri Lanka. With such
sacred charm, Dambulla affirms to be the holiest city of Sri Lanka to
experience Buddha in its truest forms. If you get a chance to visit Sri
Lanka, don't miss to explore this sacredly developed city.
Besides the Buddhist-inspired interiors and edifices Dambulla is prominent for the convoluted cave complex and the Dambulla Golden Temple. The city takes pride in its fascinatingly conserved cave complex. The cave complex is the major highlight of the city. The structure itself amazes the onlookers. The cave structure would often left its visitors with a thought that how incredibly creative would be the craftsmen who constructed this complex. One can never overlook the unbelievable craftsmanship of the place. It is all praises without even a single flaw. The intricate works is mesmerizing in itself but what also adds up to its charm is the natural backdrop. The tranquil ambiance and incredible natural splendor around makes it a perfect destination to explore in one's holiday. Apart from these features, the cave comprises pious paintings and splendid statues of the Buddha which are based upon his lifestyle and teachings. About 80 caves have been skillfully carved out from a 160m tall rock, five of which are the highlights of the cave complex. These five exquisite caves are famously known as the Viharas and they are briefly described below:
Devaraja Viharaya: It is the most significant of all the caves in the entire complex. It has got its significance from being the Temple of the King of the Gods. It has a 15mtrs Buddha in recumbent position, other figures of seated Buddha and the presence of Buddha's most committed disciple - Ananda.
Maharaja Viharaya: Called the Temple of the Great King, it comprises two large statues of the eminent Sri Lankan kings: wood-tinted statue of Valagamba and statue of Nissanka Malla. The highlight of the place is the Buddha statue in a golden leaf under the glorious archway adorned with dragons.
Maha Alut Viharaya: Called as the New Great Temple, Maha Alut, the cave's highlight lies in its historical significance apart from the graceful Buddha statues.
Pachima Viharaya: It is the smallest known western cave which is eminent for a poised Buddha statue in Dhyana mudra.
Devana Alut Viharaya: Called the Second New Temple has a reclining Buddha and some Hindu deities as its highlight.
Besides the Buddhist-inspired interiors and edifices Dambulla is prominent for the convoluted cave complex and the Dambulla Golden Temple. The city takes pride in its fascinatingly conserved cave complex. The cave complex is the major highlight of the city. The structure itself amazes the onlookers. The cave structure would often left its visitors with a thought that how incredibly creative would be the craftsmen who constructed this complex. One can never overlook the unbelievable craftsmanship of the place. It is all praises without even a single flaw. The intricate works is mesmerizing in itself but what also adds up to its charm is the natural backdrop. The tranquil ambiance and incredible natural splendor around makes it a perfect destination to explore in one's holiday. Apart from these features, the cave comprises pious paintings and splendid statues of the Buddha which are based upon his lifestyle and teachings. About 80 caves have been skillfully carved out from a 160m tall rock, five of which are the highlights of the cave complex. These five exquisite caves are famously known as the Viharas and they are briefly described below:
Devaraja Viharaya: It is the most significant of all the caves in the entire complex. It has got its significance from being the Temple of the King of the Gods. It has a 15mtrs Buddha in recumbent position, other figures of seated Buddha and the presence of Buddha's most committed disciple - Ananda.
Maharaja Viharaya: Called the Temple of the Great King, it comprises two large statues of the eminent Sri Lankan kings: wood-tinted statue of Valagamba and statue of Nissanka Malla. The highlight of the place is the Buddha statue in a golden leaf under the glorious archway adorned with dragons.
Maha Alut Viharaya: Called as the New Great Temple, Maha Alut, the cave's highlight lies in its historical significance apart from the graceful Buddha statues.
Pachima Viharaya: It is the smallest known western cave which is eminent for a poised Buddha statue in Dhyana mudra.
Devana Alut Viharaya: Called the Second New Temple has a reclining Buddha and some Hindu deities as its highlight.
