Dambulla

Dambulla is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, located north of Kandy in Matale district ({{coor dms|7|51|24|N|80|38|57|E|}}), or 12 miles south west of Sigiriya, on the Matale-Anuradhapura Road. The town of Dambulla is built around a large granite outcrop, concealing an impressive Buddhist cave complex, Raja Maha Vihara, dating from the 1st century BC. It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

Related Topics:
World heritage - Sri Lanka - Kandy - Matale - Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Buddhist - 1st century BC

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There are 80 or more caves on the site, five sanctuaries, four main monasteries, 157 statues, 153 Buddha images, 3 king images, and 4 god and goddess images. The murals, covering an area of 2,100 square metres, include depictions of Buddha's temptation by Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

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Statues of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Saman are also present, reflecting the arrival of Hinduism in Sri Lanka during the 12th century.

Related Topics:
Hindu - Vishnu - Saman - 12th century

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