Found in the north-central region of Sri Lanka, a few kilometres away from Polonnaruwa City, the Aukana Buddha Statue stands tall maintains an eternal vigil over the surrounding area. Being well over 40 feet tall and carved solely out of large granite rock, it is among one of the largest Buddha statues found in Sri Lanka and perhaps the most majestic as well.
The Aukana Buddha Statue was built during the 5th century during the reign of King Datusena. It is one of the best examples of a standing Buddha statue found in Sri Lanka. The statue is depicted in the Abhaya Mudra pose and is facing the placid Kala Wewa – another grand construction that’s associated with King Datusena. The statue has since become a popular tourist attraction, being one of the most must-visit destinations during a tour of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
In terms of design, it is believed that the statue indicates some level of influence from the Gandhara School of Art and the Amaravati School of Art – both of which were well-established institutions found in India at the time. While it is widely believed that the statue was constructed under the order of King Datusena, another theory persists. This tells the tale of an individual named Barana who engaged in a competition with his pupil on who could construct the perfect Buddha statue the fastest.
Nowadays the Aukana Buddha Statue is an important location for Buddhist pilgrims. Its continued popularity among tourists has also prompted the Department of Archaeology to improve facilities in the surrounding area as well.
