Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple 

Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. This temple is located at an elevation of 341 meters  from the sea level rises a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 183 meters  high and over 607 meters in length. The rock structures are towering up to a height of 150 meters. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. There are several cave temple clusters spread across two facing south and west on the location of Dambulla Rock, located near the geographic center of the island stands about 180 meters from the surrounding plain. Dambulla cave temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in 1991. During the months of January, February, March, April and May you are most likely to experience good weather with average temperatures pleasant fall between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and December have a high chance of rainfall. On average, the warmest month is April. On average, the coolest month is February. October is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you’re not a big fan of the rain. March is the driest month.

Dambulla heritage site with a history extending from prehistoric and proto-historic times, right down to the modern period, makes Sri Lanka’s heritage truly splendorous.  Cave temples that date back to the 1st century BC is one of eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Caves are considered the best warehouse of Sinhala art and sculpture. It has five caves under wide overhanging rock. There are images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. Five cave temples converted into rooms. Caves, built on during the Anuradhapura period (1st Century BC to 993 AD) and Polonnaruwa period (1073-1250 AD), is the most inspiring of many cave temples in Sri Lanka.

King Walagamba (103 and 89-77 BC) converted the cave into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian invaders for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the king built a temple to worship grateful. Many other kings added to it later and the 11th century, the cave has become a major religious center. King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD) gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190 AD. During the 18th century, the cave was restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Cave No. 1 -Dev Raja Viharaya

This is the first cave temple that you come across when entering the temple through the main gate. Dev Raja Vihara temple means the king of gods. In this cave is a 47-foot-long reclining Buddha image depicting the passing away of the Buddha. Also there are five other pictures, one of which is of Arhat Ananda, the closest disciple of Buddha lying at the feet of reclining Buddha image. But other images are held in a small temple of God Vishnu said. The cave walls are decorated with paintings faded almost beyond recognition.

Cave No. 2 -Maha Raja Viharaya

Maha Raja Vihara, or temple of the great king was the most striking and largest of the cave temples at Dambulla cave temple series. It is said that the 72-foot-long, 25-foot-wide, 21-foot cave shrine high-founded by the great king Vattagamini Abhaya. Cave holds 53 images depicting various mudras or postures.

A dagobas 18-foot-high located to the right of the main entrance and spacious circular pedestal is decorated with four figures of Buddha facing four quarters. The cave is also home to a painted wooden statue of King Walagamba and another statue of King Nissankamalla which is one of the customers’ royal temples. In this temple room housed a collection of one hundred and fifty images of Buddha and the Order of the country’s history. The sculptures and paintings are representing many of the era of Sinhala art and sculpture. In the cave more images of various gods as well.

When it comes to the walls of the cave, the entire surface of the walls filled with colorful paintings depicting the Buddha’s life before and after his enlightenment as well as the story of his previous life. Yellow seems dominant in these paintings are brightly colored. There are many paintings depicting the history of Sri Lanka.

The cave is also famous for vessels that collect water drips constantly into the caves of the east end, even during drought. Water collected in this vessel is used for sacred rituals.

Cave No. 3 -Maha Alut Viharaya

Alut Maha Vihara or a great new temple which is said to have used as a warehouse until the 18th century is 90 feet long, 81 feet wide and 36 feet high cave and the second largest cave separated from cave no. 2 by a stone wall. This cave also holds a large number of Buddhist images and paintings are spectacular. 30-foot-long reclining Buddha image carved quite brilliantly beautiful pictures in the cave. Kandyan period paintings depicting the history of Buddha and the Buddha’s life can be seen in the entire surface of the stone.

Cave No. 4 -Pachima Viharaya

Pachima temple or shrine cave west is dipping 50-foot-long, 20-foot-wide and 27-foot-tall sharply toward the back wall. Cave holds a number of Buddha figures and lying in Makara Thorana (dragon gate) which describes Dhyana Mudra or meditation posture is very impressive.

Cave No. 5 -Devana Alut Viharaya

Devana Alut Viharaya or the second new temple which was once used as a warehouse holds a reclining Buddha and a number of Hindu deities.