Avukana Buddha statue

The Avukana Buddha statue is located near the ancient Kala Wewa. Sri Lanka’s tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka Built during the reign of King Dhatusena, this could have been the result of a rivalry between a master and a student.

The statue of the rising Buddha is carved in proportion to the nine faces. Body height is nine times the face length. The ratio of nine faces is a portrait of the eighth century Sri Lanka. The stone on the head of Lord Buddha is believed to be a modern addition to the 1870s. The discovery of a sarcophagus in the ground indicates that the statue had a helmet on its head. The turning point of these events has begun to study whether Sirasa has existed since the beginning of the 8th century. According to Buddhist literature, Sirasappati had existed in the past of all four Buddhas. The introduction and existence of Sirasa Paths has been continuous in Sri Lanka since the second half of the fifth century. It is believed that the Aukana Buddha statue is decorated with Sirasapath.

The Avukana statue has had an impact on the Gandhara art school as well as the Amaravati art school in India. The robes are tightly worn, the body shape is clear, and its appeals are clearly and subtly engraved. According to the tradition of Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, it is above the left shoulder and the right shoulder is empty. The Buddha’s body is straight and the left hand robe is grasped with the left shoulder. The right hand is raised to the right shoulder and the palm is facing the left. This location is known as the Aziza Mudra, the variation of the Abhaya Mudra. The Avakana Buddha statue is placed on a pavement and its front portion is carved in stone and carved in the form of a double petal lotus flower called Padmasana which means the lotus seat.

Today, devotees visit the statue from all over the island and the Avukana statue has become a popular tourist attraction. Although there are not many facilities on the ground, it has now been developed by the Department of Archeology and the Civil Defense Force.