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1996
Around the world (SRI LANKA )
Bec2004-09-20 12:07:02
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which is still covered with its original lime revetment after 700 years of neglect.
A large rock outcrop a short distance north of the Kiri Vihara was given religious significance by carving a group of Buddha figures called Gal Vihara. This 14 meter reclining image represents the Buddha entering nirvana. The 7 meter standing Buddha in the background is unique because of its unusual crossed arms posture.
Finally here is the third great Buddha of Gal Vihara in a very classic sitting meditation posture. Polonnaruwa has about 50 sites of interest. It's a shame to show only six but we do have to move on before some of you get bored with Buddhist ruins.
SIGIRIYA
In the 5th century the Anuradhapura king Kasyapa, fearing attack from the half brother whose throne he had usurped, built himself an impregnable and luxurious Palace Fortress completely covering the 4 acre top of this spectacular rock outcrop. After his death, Sigiria became a monastery but it later fell in disrepair and was in ruins when rediscovered by British archeologists.
NALANDA
This small site, 50 km north of Kandy, was the last of my three day tour of the ancient cities. Its particular interest lies in the association of a solid traditional Buddhist Vihara on the right with the thick walled hollow temple of Hindu inspiration called a Gedige on the left.
KANDY
The Portuguese came to Sri Lanka in 1505 and soon took over the Tamil kingdom of Jaffna in the north and the Sinhalese kingdom of Kotte in the south-west (close to Colombo), but they were unable to subdue the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy in the central mountains. A century and a half later the Dutch took over from the Portuguese but they were also unable to dominate Kandy who fell only in 1815 to the invading British. The botanic gardens shown here were already a royal pleasure
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See photographs from:
Sri Lanka Gallery
