Dambulla Cave 1 (Devaraja Vihara): 14-meter reclining Buddha carved in living granite?
What iconography and master stonemasonry techniques distinguish the massive 1st-century BC reclining Buddha image inside Cave 1 at Dambulla?
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3 Answers from travellers
Cave No. 1 at Dambulla—named Devaraja Vihara (Temple of the King of the Gods)—is dominated by a colossal 14-meter reclining Buddha statue depicting the Parinirvana (passing into Nirvana). The monumental statue was carved directly out of the living granite cave bedrock in the 1st century BC under King Valagamba. The Buddha rests on a carved lotus pedestal with the right hand supporting the head; his soles are adorned with intricate auspicious symbols and flower wheels. Near the feet stands a sculpture of the grieving chief disciple Ananda, alongside a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu (Upulvan).
The ceiling directly above the statue is painted with delicate mineral tempera frescoes depicting the Buddha's disciples and lotus motifs.
The cave interior is dimly lit to prevent light damage to ancient murals; allow eyes a minute to adjust when stepping inside from the bright courtyard.
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