Attraction

Avukana Buddha Statue

Intricately chiselled and carved out of a block made of bricks and stone, a magnificent statue of Lord Buddha stands tall over the seemingly flat landscape – the Avukkana Buddha Statue as so it is called is one of the most stunning specimens of ancient art in Sri Lanka. The statue is located at an archaeological site that is in the very centre of the north-central province on the island. The region is exactly where one of the nation’s oldest kingdom flourished and thrived millennials ago. The statue also has the significance of being one of the oldest standing statues in the world of Lord Buddha projecting the Asia Mudra – a rare variation of Abhaya mudra ( a gesture of fearlessness).

Historic evidence state that the statue was constructed during the reign of kind Datusena who ruled Anuradhapura during the period of 455AD to 473AD. The statue is located right next to the Kalawewa reservoir and it measures 13 meters in height. Historians state that the statue resembles strong influences from Indian art which are directly reminiscent of artworks produced by Gandhara School of Art as well as Amaravati school of art.

Visiting the statue is mandatory if you are planning a tour of historic sites in Anuradhapura and it indeed offers you a profound sense of discovery and tranquillity upon reaching the site. The monolithic monument certainly instils calmness within your mind and it definitely makes you wonder how they have made such a masterpiece without the use of technology. The major cities that are located in proximity to the site are Dambulla and Anuradhapura you could visit Avukana by tuk-tuk or by bus from either of these cities. The best time to visit here is during early morning hours after sunrise and late afternoon hours since the tropical sun can be a bit unforgiving at noon.

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