Sri Lanka, a prominent Buddhist country in South Asia, is deeply influenced by Buddhism due to the majority of its population being Buddhists. The religious values embedded in Sri Lankan culture contribute to the harmony among its diverse communities. One fascinating aspect of this religious influence is the presence of numerous Buddhist temples and statues of Lord Buddha throughout the country.
Image: Lord Buddha is deeply revered in Sri Lanka.
Lord Buddha holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. Over the ages, magnificent statues have been built to honor and pay respect to Lord Buddha. These statues, found in Buddhist temples, are the most striking features that attract visitors. Paying homage to these revered statues is a significant and memorable part of visiting a Buddhist temple.
Image: Statue of reclining Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka showcases three types of Lord Buddha statues: seated, standing, and reclining. Each statue has its unique appeal and draws visitors with its magnificence. When you visit these statues, pay close attention to the serene expressions on Lord Buddha’s face, which radiate feelings of peace and tranquility.
Bahirawakanda Temple
Situated atop a hill just 1 km away from Kandy Town, Bahirawakanda Temple boasts a magnificent, pure white Buddha statue in a meditative position. This impressive 88-feet giant overlooks the bustling Kandy town, making it one of the city’s most notable religious monuments.
Image: Lord Buddha in Bahirawakanda Temple.
To reach the temple, you can either climb to the top of the hill, which takes about an hour, or take a short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy town. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the city of Kandy.
Capture breathtaking views of Lord Buddha in Bahirawakanda Temple, especially during sunset, when the colorful hues create a magical atmosphere. At night, when the statue is bathed in light, it exudes an enchanting charm that captivates viewers from a distance.
Kande Viharaya
Located in Aluthgama, Kalutara district, Kande Viharaya is a temple perched atop a hill. As the name suggests, it is known as the “temple on the mountain.” This temple is home to a large seated statue of Lord Buddha, considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Sri Lanka. The statue depicts the Bhoomisparsha Mudra.
Image: Lord Buddha in Kande Viharaya.
Standing at an impressive 160 feet, this statue is one of the largest seated statues of Lord Buddha in the world. It stands on a colorful pedestal shaped like a lotus flower. Its attractive colors and the tranquil gaze of Lord Buddha provide a blessing to all visitors.
Athugala Viharaya
Located at the top of Ethagala Rock in Kurunegala, Athugala Viharaya is a Buddhist temple. Perched on a 325-meter-high rock, this temple boasts an incredible 66-feet-high statue of Lord Buddha. The resemblance between the rock and the shape of an elephant adds to the grandeur of this beautiful statue.
To reach the top, you can climb the stairs or use a vehicle. Sunset is the best time to hike up the rock, as it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. At night, the white Buddha statue appears to float in the sky, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Weherahena Temple
Located in Matara, Weherahena temple houses an enormous 78-feet-high seated statue of Lord Buddha, dressed in a red robe. This statue stands on a lotus-shaped stage, creating an impressive and eye-catching sight for visitors.
Image: Lord Buddha in Weherahena Temple.
The temple complex, spread across three acres, features an elegant courtyard with two beautiful ponds. Additionally, it houses the world’s largest underground temple—a remarkable feat of architecture.
Dambulla Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Dambulla is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. At its entrance stands a magnificent 65-feet-high seated statue of Lord Buddha. This golden-painted Buddha statue is a rare sight in Sri Lanka and depicts the Dhamma Chakka Mudra.
Image: Lord Buddha in Dambulla Golden Temple.
The Dambulla rock, towering at 160 meters, houses more than five large caves. Each of these caves is adorned with intricate statues and paintings of Lord Buddha, showcasing the ancient sculpting and carving skills of the Polonnaruwa kingdom.
Immerse Yourself in the Serenity
Let the serenity and peace of these magnificent Buddha statues envelop you as you embark on a spiritual journey through Sri Lanka. Remember to respect Buddhist culture when visiting these temples, following the guidelines we provide in our travel tips. Acknowledge the sacredness of Lord Buddha by refraining from posing for photographs with your back to the statues.
DHPL Travels offers a wide range of tours and packages to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka. Start planning your journey now and experience the tranquility of these awe-inspiring Buddha statues. Click here to learn more about DHPL Travels.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Twitter, Trover, Dreamstime, and Flickr. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
