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Dambulla is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, located north of Kandy in Matale district (7°51′24″N, 80°38′57″E), or 12 miles south west of Sigiriya, on the Matale-Anuradhapura Road. The town of Dambulla is built around a large granite outcrop, concealing an impressive Buddhist cave complex, Raja Maha Vihara, dating from the 1st century BC. It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

There are 80 or more caves on the site, five sanctuaries, four main monasteries, 157 statues, 153 Buddha images, 3 king images, and 4 god and goddess images. The murals, covering an area of 2,100 square metres, include depictions of Buddha's temptation by Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Statues of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Saman are also present, reflecting the arrival of Hinduism in Sri Lanka during the 12th century.

Contents 1 History 2 Temple Approach And Surroundings 3 Caves 4 Temple Grounds 5 External links and see also

History

Whilst the area is thought to be inhabited from as early as the 3rd century BC, it is said that during the first century BC King Vattagamini Abhaya (also known as Valangamba / Valagam Bahu), took refuge at Dumbulla whilst fleeing from an army that had driven him out of Anuradhapura. He later created a cave temple on the site.

In the 5th century the stupa was built.

The 12th century saw statues of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Saman added to the complex.

In 1848 a nationalist movement started at Dumbulla to oust the British.

Temple Approach And Surroundings

Caves

Temple Grounds

External links and see also

• Imperialism in Asia
• History of Sri Lanka
• Timeline of Buddhism
• Dambulla

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