Sigiriya (Lion's rock, Sinhalese - සීගිරිය) is a large stone and ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. It is one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees of the Buddhist Sangha. According to the chronicles as Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa (AD 477 – 495), and after the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.
 |
| Sigiriya (Lion's rock, Sinhalese - සීගිරිය) |
 |
| The Lion Gate and Final Climbing Stretch |
 |
| Close up of the Lions Paw |
 |
| The Mirror Wall and spiral stairs leading to the frescoes |
- Sigiriya is used as the location of many of the events in the science-fiction novel "The Fountains of Paradise" by Arthur C. Clarke, although Clarke changed the name to Yakkagala ("Demon Rock") in the book.
- The Sigiriya Museum is now open to the public
No comments:
Post a Comment