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Updated by Joanna James on May 02, 2024
Headline for 5 Historic Facts About Sigiriya Rock - A little know-how of the site
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Joanna James Joanna James
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5 Historic Facts About Sigiriya Rock - A little know-how of the site

Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient stupa and the Sigiriya rock. Following are a few fun facts about this popular Sri Lankan site.

1

How it was discovered

Sigiriya Rock is a gigantic column of rock that soars 200 metres above the jungle on the island of Sri Lanka. The site was once the capital of an ancient kingdom, and today it is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations. Many a Dambulla hotel the likes of Heritance Kandalama have guests who come over just to climb up this majestic rock.

2

Why it was built

Sigiriya Rock was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. It is believed that he built it as a fortress to protect himself from enemies. The rock is also said to have been a Buddhist monastery at one time.

3

The Buddhist monks who lived in Sigiriya

The Sigiriya Rock was once home to Buddhist monks. These monks were known for their ascetic lifestyles and their dedication to meditation and prayer. They lived in simple caves or huts built into the rock face and spent their days in contemplation and worship. The Sigiriya Rock is an important part of Buddhist history, as it was one of the first places where the Buddha himself is said to have meditated. The monks who lived there were some of the earliest followers of his teachings, and they helped spread the religion throughout Sri Lanka. Today, Sigiriya Rock is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can still see the ruins of the monks' dwellings. It is a beautiful and peaceful place and a reminder of the rich history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

4

The art within the walls of Sigiriya

The art within the walls of Sigiriya is some of the most well-preserved and intricate in all of Sri Lanka. From the famous frescoes that adorn the Lion's Gate to the many statues and carvings found throughout the complex, there is no shortage of things to marvel at. The frescoes are perhaps the most iconic pieces of art within Sigiriya. Depicting various scenes from ancient Sri Lankan life, they are believed to date back to the 5th century AD. Today, they are still in remarkably good condition, thanks in part to the fact that they were painted using a mineral-based paint that has proven to be quite durable over time. In addition to the frescoes, there are also numerous statues and carvings scattered around Sigiriya. Many of these depict animals, both real and mythological, while others show scenes from everyday life or stories from Buddhist mythology. No matter what their subject matter may be, they are all impressive examples of ancient Sri Lankan artistry.

5

The Lion Entrance

The Lion Entrance to Sigiriya Rock is an imposing sight. It is a large archway carved into the rock, with a lion sculpture on each side. This was the entrance to the palace of King Kasyapa, who built his palace on top of the rock in the 5th century AD. The Lion Entrance was used as the main entrance to the palace.

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