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Transform Your Mind With Meditation At The Dambulla Caves
Published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: Sri Lanka 
The Experience
Deemed to be the center point of the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka, the small town of Dambulla is known for its stunning, venerated Buddhist cave temples. You can find here a total five cave temples featuring more than 150 Buddha images. It is believed that these cave temples were built by the King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. When Tamil invaders attacked the kingdom of Valagambahu and defeated his army, he had no option left but to take refuge in the Dambulla caves. For almost 14 years, these caves served as home to the king, and when Valagambahu regained power, he constructed these temples as a sign of his gratitude. During later centuries, these cave temples were repaired and renovated by different kings who worked to make the caves more impressive.
Dambulla’s Cave I or Devaraja Viharaya or Temple of the Kings of Gods is said to be created with divine powers of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction here is the statue of Buddha in reclining position. This 15-m-long statue was carved using a single piece of rock. Also portrayed at the Dambulla caves are figures of Buddha’s lifelong obedient disciple Ananda and some seated Buddhas. A smaller shrine within the cave has a statue of Lord Vishnu. Wall images within the cave have mostly faded due to smoke caused by incense burning.
Cave II or Maharaja Viharaya or Temple of the Great King is probably the finest of the Dambulla caves. It is largest among all five caves and measures about 52 m x 23 m. The maximum height of the cave at one point is 7 m. Here you can find statues of two kings Valagamba and Kirti Sri Nissankamalla, which led to this cave being known as ‘Temple of the Great King’. The Buddha statue is visible as you enter the cave. It is in ‘abhaya mudra’ with right hand raised. Near this Buddha statue are the statues of Maitreya, Avalokitesvara, Saman and Vishnu. Water drips from the ceiling of the cave which is collected in a vessel and used for performing rituals. Highly impressive frescoes within the cave depict stories of arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as well as of some noble kings.
Cave III or Maha Alut Viharaya or the New Great Temple features different statues of Buddha. It was shaped from a storeroom with efforts of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy during 18th century. The statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe is present in the cave. A masonry wall separates Cave III from Cave II. A beautiful reclining Buddha statue is the main attractions to watch in this cave.
Cave IV or Pachima Viharaya or Western Cave is smaller compared to the other Dambulla caves and displays a Buddha statue under the makara torana. This Buddha is in Dhyana mudra or meditative position. A small shrine in the center of the cave was earlier believed to have jewels of a queen. It was also broken into by thieves just to find that these were just stories.
Cave V or Devana Alut Viharaya or Second New Temple is the most westernly cave and relatively new. Earlier it used to be a storehouse. You can see here statues of reclining Buddha, Kataragama and Lord Vishnu. All the statues here are made of brick and plaster.
Dambulla’s Cave I or Devaraja Viharaya or Temple of the Kings of Gods is said to be created with divine powers of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction here is the statue of Buddha in reclining position. This 15-m-long statue was carved using a single piece of rock. Also portrayed at the Dambulla caves are figures of Buddha’s lifelong obedient disciple Ananda and some seated Buddhas. A smaller shrine within the cave has a statue of Lord Vishnu. Wall images within the cave have mostly faded due to smoke caused by incense burning.
Cave II or Maharaja Viharaya or Temple of the Great King is probably the finest of the Dambulla caves. It is largest among all five caves and measures about 52 m x 23 m. The maximum height of the cave at one point is 7 m. Here you can find statues of two kings Valagamba and Kirti Sri Nissankamalla, which led to this cave being known as ‘Temple of the Great King’. The Buddha statue is visible as you enter the cave. It is in ‘abhaya mudra’ with right hand raised. Near this Buddha statue are the statues of Maitreya, Avalokitesvara, Saman and Vishnu. Water drips from the ceiling of the cave which is collected in a vessel and used for performing rituals. Highly impressive frescoes within the cave depict stories of arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as well as of some noble kings.
Cave III or Maha Alut Viharaya or the New Great Temple features different statues of Buddha. It was shaped from a storeroom with efforts of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy during 18th century. The statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe is present in the cave. A masonry wall separates Cave III from Cave II. A beautiful reclining Buddha statue is the main attractions to watch in this cave.
Cave IV or Pachima Viharaya or Western Cave is smaller compared to the other Dambulla caves and displays a Buddha statue under the makara torana. This Buddha is in Dhyana mudra or meditative position. A small shrine in the center of the cave was earlier believed to have jewels of a queen. It was also broken into by thieves just to find that these were just stories.
Cave V or Devana Alut Viharaya or Second New Temple is the most westernly cave and relatively new. Earlier it used to be a storehouse. You can see here statues of reclining Buddha, Kataragama and Lord Vishnu. All the statues here are made of brick and plaster.
When to Go to Dambulla Caves
Odds n' Ends
Dambulla lies nearly 71 km from Kandy and 22 km from Sigiriya. From Kandy, you can easily visit the Dambulla caves in a single day trip, or you can also stay over night in one of the comfortable hotels in Dambulla and enjoy the city. The cave temples are located in the southern part of the town. You can take photographs inside the caves.
Places to Stay Nearby
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The Heritance Kandalama Hotel is situated in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, minutes away from Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambula Cave. The Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary and ... 0 miles away
$25987 LKR+
The Sundaras Resort is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Sigiriya / Dambulla. The Sundaras Resort boasts a convenient location with modern ... 0 miles away
$6601 LKR+
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