Sunday, December 27, 2015

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)







________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________________________________________________