SRI LANKA: Dambulla Cave Temple

 

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The Cave Temple is on top of a 160meter (530 feet) high rock.

There are five caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues as well as intricate ceiling paintings depicting scenes related to the life of Buddha.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

 

A climb up of about 364 steps (but who’s counting) leads to the temple entrance.

Enroute there are pretty views of the surrounding countryside.

Monkey’s line the route. They may look cute, but, they are cheeky, bold, have no fear of people and don't hesitate to steal things.

But I digress…… 

The Cave Temple dates back to the 1st century BCE, when King Valagamba (Vattagamini Abhaya) took refuge in the caves after he was exiled from the kingdom of Anuradhapura. 

 After he regained his throne he transformed the caves into a grand Buddhist monastery in gratitude for the refuge they provided.

Over the centuries various kings expanded and renovated the complex.

There are over 150 Buddha statues in the 5 caves. 

I find it interesting they never altered the shape of the caves, they just worked with the curved walls of the cave as they were. 

Painted on the ceilings are ancient murals of the Buddha's life. The murals cover an area of over 2,100 square meters, making it one of the largest collections of ancient Buddhist paintings in Sri Lanka.

The temple is still an active place of worship and also a pilgrimage site.

After much contemplation, and for no specific reason, John has decided that he does not want to become a Buddhist monk.