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.