Unveiling the Magnificent Buduruwagala Buddha Statue

Buduruwagala Buddha Statue

Tucked away in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Moneragala District lies a hidden gem for travelers seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment – the awe-inspiring Buduruwagala Buddha Statue. Standing proudly amidst the rugged landscape, this monumental rock temple boasts a history dating back to the 9th or 10th century, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

Carved into the face of a massive cliff, the Buduruwagala complex mesmerizes with its seven magnificent statues, the centerpiece being the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, soaring to an impressive height of 51 feet (16 meters). The very name “Buduruwagala” translates to “rock with Buddha statues,” aptly describing the essence of this sacred site.

Dating back to the zenith of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, these intricately carved statues are believed to have once been adorned with vibrant hues, remnants of which still linger in the form of a faint orange hue on the central Buddha statue. The statues stand as silent sentinels, embodying the profound teachings of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment.

At the heart of the ensemble stands the majestic Buddha statue, depicted in the Samabhanga posture – a stance exuding tranquility and poise. With his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing fearlessness and protection, the Buddha radiates a sense of serene assurance to all who behold him.

Flanking the central figure are three statues on either side, each shrouded in mystique and reverence. On the right, the depictions include the compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the divine Goddess Tara, and Prince Sudhana. On the left, stand the figures of Maitree Bodhisattva, Vajrapani Bodhisattva, and an enigmatic deity, their presence adding layers of symbolism and significance to the sacred tableau.

While the precise purpose of these ancient carvings remains veiled in the mists of time, Buduruwagala is believed to have served as a sanctuary for Mahayana Buddhist monks, offering solace and contemplation amidst the rugged wilderness.

For the intrepid traveler venturing to this sacred site, Buduruwagala offers not just a journey through time but also an opportunity for introspection and spiritual renewal. As you traverse the tranquil lakes and rugged terrain, let the whispers of ancient wisdom guide your steps and awaken your soul to the profound beauty of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

To reach Buduruwagala, one can embark on a picturesque journey from Wellawaya or Thanamalwila, with the final stretch leading through a scenic dirt track flanked by serene lakes teeming with birdlife. Whether arriving by bus or car, the pilgrimage to Buduruwagala promises an unforgettable encounter with the timeless allure of Buddhist artistry and devotion.

As you prepare for your visit, remember to dress modestly out of respect for the sacredness of the site, covering your shoulders and knees. With its timeless beauty and spiritual resonance, Buduruwagala beckons travelers from far and wide to immerse themselves in the profound legacy of Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Kandy Cultural Dance Show, or somebody called Kandy Cultural Show, is an exciting dance event that is organized by the Kandy Lake Club. The show is a must-watch for a foreigner because it includes many traditional Sri Lankan dances. Kandy Lake Club was started on this eye-catching event in 1982, and since then they have continuously held it for more than 40 years now.

Kandy is a historical and world heritage city in Sri Lanka. If you are someone who is from abroad, we suggest that Kandy is a must-visit destination during your Sri Lanka visit. There are so many beautiful places to visit around the city. But watching this dancing event is a must-do activity that you should not miss during the visit.

 

Kandy Cultural Dance Show Time

Normally, the dance show starts sharply at 5 p.m., lasts around 4 hours, with each section lasting more than 5 minutes or more.

 

Dance Performances

The Kandy Cultural Dance Show comprises Sri Lankan arts, dances, and cultural heritage. So, this is an event that describes the rich culture of this paradise island.  every day. As we mentioned earlier, the event includes many types of Sri Lankan traditional dances. All of these dance styles are unique to certain areas of the island, where people can usually see them. Anyhow, this is the event that combines all these dances into one show.

Kandy Esala Perahera is an annual event where you can see most of these dances. But it is seasonal, and nobody can experience those dances at other events in the country. Therefore, here is a great opportunity for everyone to explore the traditional dances of Sri Lanka.

The dancing styles, movements, and costumes are different for each dance type, where you can see the dancers using fire, masks, and other items in their dances. The dancers use different types of drums and local musical instruments, whose sounds catch the attention of the audience during the performances. These things will delight anyone and make them wonder.

 

Different type of Dances in Kandy Cultural Dance Show:

Here are some of the dancing types that you can watch during the Kandy Cultural Dance Show.

1) Magul Bera

2) Puja Natuma

3) Devol Natuma

4) Mayura Natuma

5) Pantheru Natuma

6) Raksha Natuma

7) Leekeli Natuma

8) Raban Natuma

9) Gini Sisila

10) Res Natuma

11) Kulu Natuma

12) Kohomba Kankariya

13) Fire Walking

 

Dancers give all of their priority and dedication to their performances, where they show a lot of skills. Costumes also attract viewers, and we should say that they are worth your time and money.

The Kandy Cultural Dance show ends with an unbelievable activity called fire walking. On there, some dancers run through red hot charcoal, which is considered worship to the local gods. Kohomba Kanakriya is also a special type of dancing event that gives you an amazing experience.

 

Other Places

Apart from the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show, you can see Kandyan cultural dancing shows at these locations in the city:

1) Redcross Kandyan Cultural Performances

2) YMBA Cultural Performances

 

 

Tickets and Prices

If you love to attend this beautiful event during your Kandy city tour, then you can book tickets to Kandy Dance Show with Mahaweli Tours and Holidays. Simply drop a WhatsApp message to: +94777 111553 or visit our Contact us page, where you can discuss ticket prices and more details with us.

 

.

.

(Cover image credit goes to the original owners)

Stilt Fishing in Sri Lanka

Stilt Fishing in Sri Lanka

Stilt fishing is a traditional method of fishing that is unique to Sri Lanka. This method involves fishermen perching on a tall, narrow pole known as a stilt, which is driven deep into the water and casting their lines into the sea below. The stilt is usually made from a strong, flexible wood such as teak, and can reach heights of up to three meters.

Stilt fishing has been practiced in Sri Lanka for centuries, and was originally used as a way to catch small fish close to the shore. Over time, the method evolved to target larger fish further out to sea. Today, stilt fishing is mostly a tourist attraction, with fishermen setting up their stilts at popular beaches and charging visitors to take photos.

Despite its popularity among tourists, stilt fishing has faced a number of challenges in recent years. One of the biggest threats to the tradition is overfishing, which has depleted fish stocks and made it harder for fishermen to make a living. Another challenge is the competition for space, as more and more tourists flock to Sri Lanka’s beaches to see the stilt fishermen in action.

Despite these challenges, stilt fishing remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Many fishermen see it as a way to connect with their ancestors and pass down their traditions to future generations. They also see it as a way to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of their country to the rest of the world.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, stilt fishing is definitely something you should consider adding to your itinerary. Not only is it a great way to learn about the country’s history and culture, but it’s also a chance to witness an age-old tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. And who knows, you might even get lucky and catch a fish yourself!

(Cover Image Credit: 500px from Facebook)