Pabalu Wehera

The origin of this unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa is unknown but it is believed to been built by one of the king Parakramabahu’s ( 1153-1186 AD) consorts, queen Rupawathi. The original name of this stupa is not known. The current name “Pabalu” (meaning beads) was derived from the fact that a large number of small glass beads being found during the excavation of the area around the stupa. Top part of the stupa has been destroyed by invaders and centre of the stupa also has been destroyed probably by treasure hunters in the recent times.

In ancient Sri Lanka generally Stupa’s have only 4 image houses around it. But at the pabalu wehera, there are nine image houses around the stupa. These contain sitting images in some and standing images in others. One houses a “Sri Pathla” (the impression of the foot) of Buddha. Another one contains a Buddha statue in the reclining position. It is thought these image houses have been built at different time periods by different people. In addition there is a stairway to reach the first level of the stupa.

The images of Buddha's similar to which is place in watadage. These statues are different to what is normally found. the curly hair is not visible on the head. And the robe is also flat which is unusual. only stone carvings are statues and columns. all other construction made by bricks. but most of the construction still remain.

The pabalu wehera is a lonely place, in silent, peaceful environment. the place is suitable for meditation. may be that time pabalu wehera used for meditation proposes. there is no signs of houses for monks.

This Stupa is situated little bit away from the other ancient ruins. when passing the stupa there is a Shiwa Dewala few meters away. 

by Sam
2017-08-15

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structural building in Polonnaruwa Kingdom of Sri Lanka. it is built for the protection of a small stupa. It is conjecture to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Both these venerated relics would have given the structure a great significance and importance.

It has been described as the "ultimate development" of this type of architecture.Located within the ancient Polonnaruwa city. it is the best preserved example of a vatadage in the country, and Abandoned for several centuries. 

the structure has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings. The lower platform is entered through a single entrance facing the north, while the second platform can be accessed through four doorways facing the four cardinal points. The upper platform, surrounded by a brick wall, contains the stupa. Four Buddha statues are seated around it, each facing one of the entrances. Three concentric rows of stone columns had also been positioned here, presumably to support a wooden roof. The entire structure is decorated with stone carvings. Some of the carvings at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, such as its sandakada pahanas, are considered to be the best examples of such architectural features. Although some archaeologists have suggested that it also had a wooden roof, this theory is disputed by others.

This beautiful Stupa House has been built before the time of Nissanga Malla (1187-1196) but he has carried out major renovations on this building. So what you see today is probably his work.

Te uniqueness of such buildings is that the Stupa is protected by a roof. Therefore Stupa’s in such buildings are small. Another beautiful Stupa House is situated in Madirigiriya few kilometers away from Polonnaruwa.

On the centre is a small stupa and on the four sides, there are beautifully carved Buddha statues. These statues are different to what is normally found. The curly hair is not visible on the head. And the robe is also flat which is unusual. The roof has been supported by two rows of stone pillars around the Stupa. None of the pillars are visible today. But the pillars outside the walls are still intact.

Four sets of beautifully carved stone stairs lead the upper level from four sides. On the side of stair case some of most beautiful guard stones ("Mura Gala") and moonstones ("Sandakadapahana") in this area can be seen. The guard stones on the eastern side of the temple is said to be the best guard stone in t he Polonnaruwa era.

The moonstones ("Sandakadapahana") in the Polonnaruwa era had undergone a major change compared to the Anuradhapura moonstones. The most visible is the disappearance of the bull in the carvings. Where the moonstones originally had four animals – the elephant, the horse, the lion, the bull, now only three remain. Bull is the vehicle of God Shiva (according to Hindu beliefs) and is considered a holy animal by Hindu’s. Probably for this reason, it has been taken off the moonstone where everybody who enters the tramples. Instead the bull has been placed on the side of the stairways at a higher elevation in some places.

Excavation work at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage began in 1903.

by Sam

2017-08-15

Kumara Pokuna - Bathing Pool

The Royal Bathing pool (also call as Kumara Pokuna) located east to the palace complex. it is few meters away from the palace complex, but inside the inner city (Atulu Nuwara) . it is made out using large stone slabs which is decorated by carving. This pool has been used during the period of King Parakramabahu ( 1153-1186). On the side of this pool there are remains of the changing rooms. mainly pool has three storeyed. two of it are blow the ground level. third one act as separate wall. For the construction used only plain and decorated stone slabs. To fill the bottom of pool, used different size square leveled rock pieces. the center of the pool something like circular bench is places. the reason is unknown.

Image 01.

Looking at the image 01. there is two lion faces on second slab, side by side to the entrance stairs. it is a water inlet for the pool and cannot find the source it connected and where it can be control. water inlet fixed from the side of palace complex. may be water supply came from the palace complex. The pool's top level is around 10 feet lower than palace complex. 

Image 02. 

In the image 2 there is a rectangle hole located bottom left hand side of the opposite side wall. it is drain of the pool. and also there is a small size square hole located just below the second slab, center of the opposite side wall. it is overflow of the pool. both drain and overflow are located to the opposite side of water inlet. there is a canal closer to the side of drain and overflow. it should connected underground for deplete the pool.

Image 03

This identifies as a changing room for the King. it is two step construction. base is made with the same length of pool. there should be walls and roof. the second step is inside that house which decorated by carving and moon stone (sandakada pahana).   In the Polonnaruwa era, there is a Sandakada Pahana (Moon Stone) places in many construction and decorated by carving. 

by Sam

26-07-2017.

Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu

As described in post about palace, King Parakramabahu reign is the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. the palace is used for ling to royal family. but it was not use to ruling the kingdom. The council chamber built by him which situated in front of the palace. It is built using 3 layers of solid rock. Top of the layer four column of 48 stone pile beautifully decorated by carvings. Top of the stone pile there should be a roof.  

The borders of each layers are carved images. The first layer is decorated with carved elephants each in a different posture. in early ages elephant's are used for royal appearance to the king. elephant is used for kings travelling.  

Second layer border is carved with figures of lions. the lion is a sign of royalist. the ancient era most of constrictions  vastly use carved  lion statues side of stare cases or entrance.

The last layer carved with images of “Wamana”. wannam is a traditional dancing style of Sinhalese. 

The entrance of the chamber decorated with sandakada pahana (moon stone) on the floor and beautifully carved lions in two sides. it is intimate to peoples that they are entering lions den.

The sandakada pahana (Moon Stone) is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is a charming carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. it is seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa period. from anuradhapura period to polonnaruwa period the sandakada pahana got some changes as south indian influence.  

The roof has been supported by 48 beautifully carved stone pillars laid in 4 rows. roof must be bade by wood. That's why only left rock structure. To the south-east of the court there can see the remains of an ancient lavatory.

View of the chamber from throne

by Sam
26-07-2017.

Royal Palace

After King Vijayabahu's victory the kingdom was shifting to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant. As the history books  the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" is actually Parakramabahu I. The Golden Age of Polonnaruwa was his reign. Trade and agriculture exist under the assistance of the king, who was so hard that drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land. Therefor the irrigation systems that are far superior than Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign. the system supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the dry season in the east of the country. The greatest example is Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama). The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.

This is a majestic palace build by king Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) with seven stories and said to have 1000 chambers. Although the main building possibly couldn’t hold such a number of chambers, when you consider the whole palace complex it is thought that this number is a possibility.

There is massive walls over a meter thick going up to about 30 feet and the bottom half of the main stairway which led to upper floors. Inside the building there is parts of melted brick walls caused by intense heat when this was set fire by Tamil invaders at the end of Polonnaruwa era. Around the main palace there are remains of more buildings where the ministers, solders and servants lived.

Large holes in the wall probably held massive wooden structures that formed the floor of the upper levels. Even after facing such destruction by human hand and then by Mother Nature for 800 years, the plastering on these walls still remains in some places.

An architect’s impression of what it would have looked can be seen at the Polonnaruwa. These construction shows us advance technology which they used in early ages. bricks, fillings and plastering still remains show up the durability method they use. 

by Sam

25-07-2017.

Pothgul Viharaya

Statue

The most popular belief was this is the statue of King Parakramabahu. also call Parakramabahu statue. Another belief is that this is a statue of Indian prophet (wrishi) Pulasthi, Agyastha or Kapila. The long beard and the mustache, the hair, the clothing, and the body with a slightly large stomach are not expecting from a statue of a great King. 

This beautifully carved statue is 11.5 feet in height and carved in to a semi-circular rock. Irrespective of who this represent, this is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of that time.

It is 1.5 km away from Parakrama Samudraya. There is a small unidentified and destroyed sthupa closer to this statue. It is believed that this is the burial ground of king Parakramabahu and this stupa holds the remains of the king.

Viharaya

This is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanaka. The pothgul viharaya was build by king Parakamabahu (1153-1185 AD). it was renovated under the patronage of his consort Queen Chandrawathie.

Pothgul Viharaya is a globate type structure, build in the middle of the square shape stage. The interesting point in this building is the circular structure in the middle, seems the main library, made out of brick. The circular shape roof even made out of bricks it seems. There are remaining of four small stupas at the four corners of the stage. Out of it there are remaining of the several buildings which were used as awasa. there is a chamber for the monks who resided here. This, the awasa hall is only preserved as a small building with a few stone columns and a rather high stone foundation. The columns must have supported a roof, or else might have had a few more stories to it in real life. the main structure ans water draining system still remain. 

by Sam
25-07-2017.

Avukana Buddha Satue

The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha. It depicts a variation of the "Abhaya mudra" and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m). the statue was carved out of a large granite rock face. it was constructed during the reign of King Dhatusena at 5th century. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil.

Outlook

The Avukana statue is placed in the village of Avukana, close to the Kala Wewa reservoir, and faces to it. It was carved out of a large granite rock face, but is not completely separated. A narrow strip of rock has been left at the back of the statue, connecting it to the rock face and supporting it. The statue alone is 38 feet 10 inches in height. With the pedestal the total height of the statue reaches 42 feet. the pedestal of the statue, which is carved in the form of a lotus flower was carved separately and positioned under the statue.

The statue had been located within a large image house. The structure was made of brick and stone, and was 74 feet (23 m) long and 63 feet (19 m) wide, which parts of the walls still remain.

Attitude

The Avukana statue is wilfully to be one of the best examples of a standing statue of the Buddha from ancient Sri Lanka. The robe is worn tightly, clearly outlining the shape of the body. The pleats are carved clearly and delicately. The robe it worn over the left shoulder, and the right shoulder is bare. that feature is a tradition in Buddha statues of Sri Lanka. the body of Buddha is straight, and the left hand clutches the robe at the left shoulder. The right hand is raised up to the right shoulder, with the palm facing left. This posture is a variation of the "Abhaya mudra" known as the "Asisa mudra", .

Constitution

It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Dhatusena under his orders in the 5th century. Although another theory is that it was done by an individual named Barana.

There is a another standing statue closely to "Avukana" statue similar to it, at "Sasseruwa". As chronicle, it was a result of a competition between image sculpting master ans pupil (Guru and gola). As the story, master constructed Avukana when the pupil constructed Sasseruwa. the master winning the competition by completing his statue first. as the result of that the Sasseruwa was unfinished. 

by Sam
25-07-2017.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank). The temple containing four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. Three of them are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Royal Family and The Elephant Pond.

The Isurumuniya temple was built by King Devanampiya Tissa ruler in the Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura between 307 BC to 267 BC. the temple was built for 500 children of high-caste were ordained to reside. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) reformed this viharaya and named it as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera" as derived from names of his 2 daughters and his name. There is a viharaya associated to a cave and above is a cliff and a small stupa is built on it. its look like the stupa was constructed in present period. on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been chiselled the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse with a human. it is identifies the carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. and there is a Ranmasu Uyana few yards away from this viharaya. 

Isurumuniya Lovers

This carving is belongs to 6th Century Gupta style. The woman, seated on the man's lap, lifts a warning finger, presumably as a emergence of her coyness. but the man carries on regardless. The figures may represent King Dutugemunu's son Saliya and the maiden Asokamala whom he loved. It's known that Asokamala is low caste (Sadol Kula) and Prince Saliya gave up the throne for her.

Royal Family Carving

It is Placed in Isurumuniya Viharaya. it is belongs to 8th century A.D. Anuradhapura Period. the tradition of this carving is Guptha Kala (mystic). it is carved on granite by half carving ("Ardha Unnata") method: 

There are five human figures carved on this plate. The human figure in the center is identified as King Dutugamunu, who has a tall crown on his head and a "puna noola" around his chest. At his left are another two human figures. They are fanning him with a "Wijinipath"

by Sam
24-07-2017.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya also known as "Lion Rock" is an ancient rock citadel located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres high. According to the Culavamsa, this site was assorted by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) also known as "Sigiri Kashyapa", for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an Grave lion. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

UNESCO listed the Sigirya as World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

This is the view of Sigiriya when you enter to the site (2010-10-22)

In 477 CE. Kashyapa, a non-royal consort son of King Dathusena, seized the throne from King, following a coup assisted by King’s nephew and army commander Migara. the . The rightful claimant, Moggallana, fearing for his life, escape to South India. Fearing of an attack by Moggallana, Kashyapa change the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to Sigiriya for more safety and security. During his reign (477 to 495 CE), Sigiriya was developed into a city complex and castle. Most of the charming modification on the rock climax and around it. such as protective structures, palaces, and gardens.

The Culavamsa point out Kashyapa as the son of King Dhatusena. He murdered his father and then plunder the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Moggallana, which is King Dhatusena's son by the true queen. Moggallana get away to India to escape being killing by Kashyapa. Then he gather an army in India with the aim of returning and take back the throne of Sri Lanka, which he deserve to be rightfully. Awaiting the necessarily return of Moggallana, Kashyapa built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace. In 495 CE as expected Moggallana finally returned and called for a war, and defeated Kashyapa . During the war Kashyapa's armies derelict him and he committed suicide. Moggallana changed the Kingdom back to Anuradapura, converting Sigiriya into a Buddhist hermitage complex. Buddhist hermitage settlements were established during the 3rd century BCE

This is the current situation of ancient Sigiriya drawings. (2010-10-22)

• Major Jonathan Forbes of the British army encountered the "bush covered summit of Sigiriya" In 1831. 
• in the 1890's Archaeological work began at Sigiriya. 
• first archaeologist to conduct extensive research on Sigiriya was H.C.P. Bell. 
• the Government of Sri Lanka launched The Cultural Triangle project focused on Sigiriya in 1982 
• Archaeological work began on the entire city under this project 
• There was a sculpted lion's head above the legs and paws flanking the entrance. 

by Sam
24-07-2017.

Ashoka Tree

Scientific name : Saraca Asoca

Family : Legume 

"Ashoka" means "sorrow-less"

The Ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original diffusion was in the central areas of the Deccan plateau, as well as the middle section of the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the Indian subcontinent.

The ashoka is a handsome, small, upright evergreen tree, with deep green leaves growing in dense clusters precious for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It .

Its flowering around February to April. The ashoka flowers come in heavy, rich bunches. They are bright orange-yellow in color, turning red before wilting.

The Ashoka tree is honored sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This tree has many legend, religious and literary associations in the region. Highly valued as well for its handsome appearance and the color and abundance of its flowers, the ashoka tree is often found in royal palace compounds and gardens as well as close to temples allover India.

Therapeutic Uses 

The Ashoka tree has many health benefits and has long been used in traditional Indian medicine as a key ingredient in various therapies and cures. Let us take a look at some of the therapeutic uses of the Ashoka herb.

• Gynecology: One of the uses of the Ashoka herb is in the treatment of menstrual disorders associated with excessive bleeding, congestion, and pain. You can make use of the benefits of the Ashoka herb when there is dysmenorrhoea, abdominal pain, and uterine spasms. The Ashoka herb benefits the endometrium and uterine muscles and this makes it effective as a uterine tonic for irregular menstrual cycles and miscarriage. It is also effectively used in Ayurveda for clearing congestion from the Medas Dhatus and Mamsa, especially when there may be leucorrhoea, endometriosis, cysts, and fibroids from excess kapha and ama in the Artava Srotas. The Ashoka herb also has a nourishing effect on the circulatory system, thereby making it an effective remedy in arrhythmia and cardiac weakness. The Ashoka herb also helps in encouraging urine flow and thus helps in treating conditions that cause painful urination.
• Dysentery: An extract of the Ashoka flower can be used to effectively treat hemorrhagic dysentery. The extract is made by grinding the flowers along with some water. Doses of 15–60 drops can be taken.
• Piles: For internal piles, the bark of the Ashoka tree can be used. To prepare the decoction, take around 90 grams of the bark and boil it in 360 ml of water and 30 ml of milk until the entire quantity reduces to around 90 grams. Two to three doses of this can be taken each day.
• Pain: The specific analgesic properties present in Ashoka can used to calm the nerves when they have been aggravated by the Vata.
• Complexion: The Ashoka herb is also said to improve the complexion of skin. This herb can be used to obtain relief from burning sensations on the skin. It also helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. The Ashoka herb is also effective in purifying the blood naturally and in preventing skin allergies.

Other Uses

The other Ashoka tree uses include treating the sting from a scorpion. The bark of the tree is used for scorpion sting treatment. Dried Ashoka flowers can be helpful in treating diabetes.

by Sam

24-07-2017. 

Kadupul Flower

Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Dutchman’s pipe, Queen of the night, Kadupul Flower) is a species of cactus and one of the most cultivated species in the genus.

Family: Cactaceae

Genus: Epiphyllum

This beautiful white-yellow colored rare flower comes from Sri Lanka, where it is called Kadupul Mal or Flower from the Heaven. In India it is called Brahma Kamalam, named after the Hindu god of creation, Lord Brahma. It is also believed that the wishes of People who pray to God while the flower is blooming will be fulfilled.

The flower has a rich history in Japan, where it is known as the Gekka Bijin or “Beauty under the Moon”.

In Chinese language this flower is used to describe someone who has an impressive but very brief moment of glory, like a “flash in a pan”, since the flower can take a year to bloom and only blooms over a single night.

Kadupul Flower can be found from Mexico to Venezuela, as well as Brazil. It also can be found, cultivated in parts of America with warmer temperature such as Texas or California.

The Kadupul Flower is a rare plant, and it cannot be picked without causing damage to it. It only blossoms at night and emanates a calming, lovely fragrance. It will only last for hours after being picked and has never made it to the shops, not even online. It is the flower that cannot be bought.

Flower start blooming between 10pm to 11pm and continue to bloom for about two hours. Soon after its full bloom the flower starts to fade and completely wilt before the dawn.

This epiphytic plant grows in the forks of large trees, where the decayed particles of bark and moisture collect to give it a rich protective foothold. The plant has leathery leaves, but not as thick as that of the cactus. The leaves are long with scalloped edges. The scallops point downwards. During the Sri Pada season, November to March, a little shoot appears at the point where two scallops meet; the shoot grows to a length of about five inches before it bears a bud, which hangs down on its slender stem.

Kadupul Flower is the legendary flower of the Celestial Nagas. It is believed that when these flowers bloom, the Nagas come down from their celestial abodes, to offer them to the Buddha on the Holy Mountain Sri Pada. The strange fragrance, the midnight miracle, and the fact that flowers bloom in the season when people flock to Sri Pada, seem to add authenticity to this belief.

There are two types of Kadupul in Sri Lanka which are slightly different. First type of kadupul plant has long leaves (about 2 meters) without a stem and flowers are small (about 15 cm in diameter) with thin petals.

by Sam

24-07-2017.

Polonnaruwa Galviharaya.

The Gal Viharaya originally a part of the Uttararama temple complex. The rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient kingdom of King Parakramabahu-I, at Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was created in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu - I. The feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. It consist of four large statues. one large seated figures, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern (Vidyadhara Guha), a standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese engraving and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara the most visited monument at Polonnaruwa.

The statues of Uttararama imitate a different style from the statues of the previous Anuradhapura kingdom, and show some particular differences. The identity of the standing statue is subject to a certain amount of controversial among historians and archaeologists, some of whom argue that it depicts the monk Ananda rather than the Buddha. Each of the statues have been carved in a way that uses a maximum possible area of the rock, and their heights seem to have been decided based on the height of the rock itself. Each statue appears to have had its own image house, as indicated by the remains of brick walls at the site. The Uttararama was where Parakramabahu-I held a gathering of monks to purify the Buddhist priesthood, and later drew up a code of conduct for them. This code of conduct has been recorded in an epigraph on the same rock face containing the statue of the Buddha.

These pictures have been taken at night under lights.

Seated image

The large seated statue is over 15 feet tall, and depicts the Madhura Dhyana. The seat was carved in the shape of a lotus flower, its base embellished with carvings of flowers and lions. The statue sits on a carved throne, embellished with makara thorana, with four small images of the Buddha identical to the larger statue, carved inside small chambers. This is an unusual feature in ancient Sinhalese sculpture, and is probably the result of Mahayana influence.

Standing image

This standing statue is the focus of much discussion among historians and archaeologists, since there is a general belief that it is not a statue of the Buddha. The statue is 22 feet tall, and stands on a low pedestal shaped like a lotus flower. It slender back in a relaxed manner, its arms folded across its chest. The statue's face carries a sorrowful expression and the reclining image, which depicts the Buddha's parinirvana lies next to it, which has led some to believe that it is the monk Ananda, who is bemoaning the Buddha's demise at his deathbed. Paranavithana confide that the statue is of the Buddha, which depicts the para dukkha dukkhitha mudra (sorrow for the sorrow of others). However, this is a scarcely used gesture in Sinhalese sculpture, and is seen at only a few locations in the country. The image is not mentioned in the Chulavamsa, which only mentions the other three. While this may be an indication that it is not an image of the Buddha,

Reclining image

At the reclining image is the largest statue in Gal Vihara, it is 46 feet in length, and also one of the largest sculptures in Southeast Asia. It depicts the parinirvana of the Buddha, who is lying on his right side with the right arm supporting the head on a bolster, while the left arm lies along the body and thigh. The palm of the right hand and the soles of the feet have a single lotus flower carved on them. a former Commissioner of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka, has stated that the bolster upon which the Buddha rests his head has been so well carved that it looks like a cotton stuffed pillow rather than one carved from rock. The upper foot, the left foot of the image is slightly withdrawn to indicate that the image depicts that the Buddha has attained parinirvana, and is not merely lying down. The reclining image does not have a decorated pedestal, and lies on levelled bare rock. On the wall behind the image, several sockets have been carved into the rock, as well as the remains of two stone columns, suggesting that its now missing image house had a wooden roof.

by Sam
24-07-2017.