- 73 Views
- 2 Min Read
- (0) Comment
The magnificent Royal Rock Temple complex rises 100m to 160m above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. The ascent to the temples begins along a vast, sloping rock face with steps carved in certain sections. From the level of the caves, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with Sigiriya visible some 20km away.
The caves have served as a place of worship since around the 1st century BCE, when King Valagamba, driven out of Anuradhapura, sought refuge here. Upon regaining his throne, he transformed the caves into stunning rock temples. Later kings, including King Nissanka Malla, enhanced the site by gilding the interiors, earning it the name Ran Giri (Golden Rock).
The complex consists of five separate caves, containing approximately 150 Buddha images. Most of the paintings inside date back to the 19th century. The ticket office is located near the massive Golden Temple, and your receipt will be checked at the base of the hill. Photography is allowed inside the caves.
Cave I (Devaraja Viharaya)
The first cave, the Temple of the King of the Gods, houses a 15m-long reclining Buddha. Nearby, depictions of Ananda, the Buddha’s loyal disciple, and other seated Buddhas are visible. A small shrine within the cave features a statue of Vishnu, though it is usually closed.
Cave II (Maharaja Viharaya)
The Temple of the Great King is the most impressive cave. Measuring 52m from east to west, 23m from entrance to back, and with a ceiling height of 7m, it contains statues of two kings: Valagamba and Nissanka Malla. A vessel inside collects water dripping from the ceiling, even during droughts, and is used for sacred rituals.
Cave III (Maha Alut Viharaya)
The New Great Temple was converted from a storeroom in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy. It features Buddha statues, including a reclining Buddha, and is separated from Cave II by a simple masonry wall.
Cave IV (Pachima Viharaya)
The Western Temple is relatively small, with the central Buddha figure seated under a makara torana in the meditation pose (dhyana mudra). The small dagoba in the center was broken into by thieves who believed it contained Queen Somawathie’s jewels.
Cave V (Devana Alut Viharaya)
This newer cave, called the Second New Temple, was once used as a storeroom. It now houses a reclining Buddha along with Hindu deities, including Kataragama and Vishnu.
Leave a comment: