The Magnificent Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka Travel - Episode 5, Dambulla Cave Temples
I am Subhendu Dey. Welcome to my world of videos. This is the fifth episode of my family trip to Sri Lanka. After a wonderful day spent exploring Mihintale and Anuradhapura, on the morning of June 25, 2024, we headed towards Sigiriya and Dambulla. Join us on an unforgettable journey to the ancient city of Dambulla, home to the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.
Our first stop was at the Sigiriya Lion Rock, also known to us Indians as Ravan’s Palace. However, we did not take the risk of climbing about 1200 steps to reach the top of the Sigiriya Lion Rock, which if we could have done, would have been a wonderful experience. So we attempted to climb the 364 steps to the Dambulla Caves. The magnificent caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable preservation of ancient Buddhist art and architecture and is a significant historical and religious site in the central part of Sri Lanka.
The history of the Dambulla Cave Temple dates back to the 1st century BC. The caves have served as a sacred pilgrimage site for over 2,000 years. According to historical records, King Valagamba of Anuradhapura took refuge in these caves during his 14-year exile from the Anuradhapura Kingdom. After regaining his throne, he transformed the caves into a splendid temple as a gesture of gratitude.
The Dambulla Cave Temple complex consists of five main caves, each housing numerous statues and extensive murals depicting the life of Buddha and various events in the Buddhist pantheon. The caves are carved into a massive granite outcrop, which rises 160 meters above the surrounding plains.
Cave 1: Devaraja Viharaya (Temple of the King of the Gods)
This is the first cave, also known as Devaraja Viharaya or the Temple of the King of the Gods, features a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. This cave is relatively small but holds immense significance due to its ancient origins and the presence of the Buddha statue, which is believed to have been carved out of the rock itself.
Cave 2: Maharaja Viharaya (Temple of the Great King)
The second cave is the largest and most impressive of the five. Known as the Maharaja Viharaya meaning the temple of the great king, it contains 56 statues of Buddha in various poses. Additionally, there are statues of Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Ganesha, Kataragama (Murugan), Shiva, Parvati, Brahma, Shani Maharaj. These Hindu deities depicted alongside Buddhist figures, demonstrate the blending of religious traditions in Sri Lankan art and culture. The presence of Hindu deities in the Dambulla Caves highlights the island's rich cultural diversity and the coexistence of different faiths.
The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate frescoes that cover an area of 1,500 square meters, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and important events in Sri Lankan history.
Cave 3: Maha Alut Viharaya (Great New Monastery)
The third cave, Maha Alut Viharaya, or the Great New Monastery, was added in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha. This cave features a large seated Buddha statue surrounded by 50 other statues. The murals in this cave are particularly vibrant, representing the Kandyan art style of the period.
Cave 4: Pachima Viharaya (Western Temple)
The fourth cave, Pachima Viharaya which means the Western Temple, contains a seated Buddha statue under a Makara Torana (dragon archway). This cave also includes several statues of Buddha in different postures, highlighting the variety of artistic expressions prevalent during different periods.
Cave 5: Devana Alut Viharaya (Second New Monastery)
The fifth cave, Devana Alut Viharaya, or the second new monastery, houses a reclining Buddha statue and a few other statues of deities.
The Golden Buddha in Dambulla is a magnificent 100 ft statue of Buddha, situated at the entrance of the Dambulla Cave Temple complex. The Golden Buddha erected in 2001, is covered in gold leaf, adding to its majesty. It represents the teachings of Buddha and symbolizes peace, serenity, and enlightenment. The statue depicts Buddha in the Dhamma Chakra Mudra pose, indicating the turning of the wheel of dharma. The Golden Buddha in Dambulla has become an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage and a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its cultural traditions.
There is a stupa in front of the Golden Buddha statue in Dambulla that adds to the overall grandeur of the site. The stupa is believed to contain relics of Buddha or important Buddhist monks.
This is a highly recommended place to visit when you are in Sri Lanka.
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