Description of the attraction
Dambula Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, located in the central part of the island, 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. This still functioning monastery attracts many pilgrims from different countries.
It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It rises 160 m above the surrounding plain. There are more than 80 caves in the vicinity, but most of the tourists are attracted by 5 of them, in which there are statues and paintings. These paintings and sculptures are associated with the Buddha and his life.
The prehistoric population of the island lived in these caves even before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This is evidenced by burials with human skeletons, which are more than 2700 years old.
The cave temple dates back to the 1st century BC. It consists of five caves under a huge overhanging rock, with drip lines carved to keep the interior dry. In 1938, the complex was decorated with arched colonnades and pediments. Inside the cave, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images in accordance with the contours of the rock. There are images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.
The Dambula Cave Monastery is still operational and remains the best-preserved ancient building in Sri Lanka.
Reviews
| All reviews 5 Irina 2013-17-05 11:40:43
Buddha, Buddha, Buda You park near the new building of the temple school (on the 1st photo). And then on foot up the hill. The road is comfortable, wide, monkeys follow you in flocks. The impression of the caves is incredible! This is the place of those who love everything that is true. The coolness and silence of the caves allows you to meditate and think about the eternal.
PS Do not take …
