Deep South - Buduruwagala

	Hambantota District
	Destinations
	Culture & Heritage
	Arts & Crafts
	Nature & Environment
	Adventure
	Activities
	Dining & Accomodation

Video

Our Facebook Page

Sri Lanka Traveller

Sri Lanka Tourism

Home | Contact us | FAQ | Site Map

Buduruwagala

Buduruwagala is a place of historical and archeological interest for its tall Buddha statue sculptured out of the rock. No mention of this site has been found in any ancient records and even its original name is not known. The modern name of this site, Buduruwagala, means ‘rock of Buddhist sculptures’. Nothing is known about the history of Buduruwagala or why someone chose to carve these huge images into the rocks in such a remote place. However, it is believed that the statues date back to the latter period of the Anuradhapura Kingdom and were created during the reign of King Valagamba in the 10th century AD.
The entire rock resembles a massive elephant kneeling with head bowed and the trunk folded in its mouth. On the eastern side of the rock a total of 7 sculptures have been carved into the rock. The highest is the 51 feet high image of a standing Buddha, with groupings of three figures on each side. It stands the tallest of all rock carvings in Sri Lanka and perhaps the world since the destruction of the Bamiyan figures in Afghanistan. The site is very scenic, attractive and tranquil and is situated in a very peaceful environment. The area around is rich with herbal, fruit and other valuable trees. To the right of the image of Lord Buddha is that of Avalokitesvara, surrounded by images of Bhrkuti and his sister Tara. Remarkably, the original plaster and even a few fragments of paint still cover this image. The central figure in the group of three to the left of Lord Buddha is Maithri Bodhisathva, the fifth Buddha of this aeon.