Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage centre . A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with about 80 caves of different sizes and shapes . There are five main sanctuaries with unique Buddhist mural paintings covering an area of 2,100 m2 and 157 statues.This temple complex dates back to the first century BCE. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry.
Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are murals of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as of various gods and goddesses, of disciples and kings . Red and yellow are the dominating colors and geometric patterns cover every inch of space above the figures.
This mural depicts the demon Mara and his storm army attempting to interrupt The Buddha’s meditation. The right hand of The Buddha is shown pointing down in the Bhumisparshana mudra . With this symbolic gesture the Buddha called to Sthavara, the Goddess Earth to be His witness. Rising from within the ground, she wrung her hair dry of water – an action that caused floods and washed away Mara and his demon army.
Prints : Available as Giclee print on finest quality paper or canvas. International shipment
Sizes available: 8 x 12″(203 x 305 mm); 12 x 16″(305 x 410mm); 18 x 24″(457 x 610 mm); 24 x 32″ (610 x 813mm)
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