Pidurangala

Dating back to the reign of King Kashyapa (475 – 491 AD) Pidurangala is situated to the North of the world famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Pidurangala Viharaya (Temple) comprises of a monastery complex and several natural caves. A rock inscription dating back to 3 BC – 1 BC written in early Brahmi lettering provides an insight to the historical importance of the location.

The 49 ft. reclining ancient Buddha Statue (made out of Brick, Clay and Lime-stone) can be reached via a climb to the mid-mountain area through man-made stone steps.    

A further climb through the forest trees, thorny creepers and a range of boulders takes one to the top of the Pidurangala Rock which provides a magnificent view (and the best view) of the Sigiriya Rock. The summit of Pidurangala provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area comprising of Dry Zone forests, human settlements, man-made reservoirs (Wewa), cultivation areas and the central mountain range.

Brahmi Inscription 

 Brahmi Inscription 

Pidurangala Ruins

Pidurangala Buddha Statue 

Pidurangala Buddha Statue 

 

Buddha Statue Details 

 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (as seen from Pidurangala)

Sigiriya (as seen from Pidurangala)

 

  The Central Hills (as seen from Pidurangala)

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Please note that all of my photographs are under copyright protection, all rights reserved. They may not be reproduced, redistributed, copied, blogged, used for artist reference or manipulated for commercial or private use under any circumstances without my written consent.

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Menikdena Archaeological Reserve

Menikdena is located in close proximity to Dambulla. The archaeological reserve is situated in the backdrop of the Menikdena hill range with a height of 865 m (approx) and a manmade Wewa (reservoir) in its surroundings

The monastery dates back to the 10^th Century AD and has been built according to the Panchavasa architectural system. Panchavasa relates to the five sacred buildings namely, the Stupa (Relic Chamber), the Bhodighara (Bodhi Tree Shrine), Prathimaghara (Image House), Uposathaghara (Chapter House), and Sabhashalawa (Congregation Hall).

A Pillar Inscription is found at the entrance of the monastery. The main entrance consists of an un-carved Moonstone (Sandakadapahana) and guard stones. Ruins of several ancient structures are found in the forest reserve adjoining the monastery complex which is yet to undergo excavation and restoration by the Department of Archaeology.

The forest reserve adjoining the site covers an approximate land area of 40 Acres and has been developed into an Arboretum by Trinity College – Kandy. The forest reserve has been identified as belonging to the Intermediate Zone and consists mainly of species such as Na, Kaluwara, Milla, Weera, and many more species of trees and shrubs.      

 Site Plan - Menikdena Archaeological Reserve

Entrance to the site

 Menikdena Pillar Inscription

 Menikdena Stupa

 Ancient Buddha Statue at the Stupa

 Menikdena Stupa

 Bhodighara (Bodhi Tree Shrine)

Prathimaghara (Image House)

Prathimaghara (Image House) - Side view

Guardstone at the entrance to the Prathimaghara

Uposathaghara (Chapter House)

Uposathaghara (Chapter House)

Sabhashalawa (Congregation Hall)

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Please note that all of my photographs are under copyright protection, all rights reserved. They may not be reproduced, redistributed, copied, blogged, used for artist reference or manipulated for commercial or private use under any circumstances without my written consent.

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Talangama Wetland

Talangama is situated in the outskirts of Colombo comprising of a man-made lake, canals, paddy fields, and a wetland supporting bird life, butterflies, dragonflies, and other species of animals. 

Talangama Wetland 

Talangama Wetland

Paddy Fields

Paddy Fields

Purple Swamphen

Asian Openbill

Common Jezebel