Avukana Buddha statue, Buddhist sculpture in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
The Avukana Buddha statue is a monumental granite sculpture in North Central Province, Sri Lanka, showing a standing figure with flowing robes. The face appears calm and focused, while folds of the robe cover the entire body down to the feet.
King Dhatusena ordered the statue carved in the 5th century during a period of major construction work in the region. Historians believe the project was linked to building the nearby Kala Wewa reservoir to support agriculture and irrigation.
The figure shows a standing pose with the right hand raised in a gesture of protection, while the left hand holds the robe. Today Buddhist pilgrims come here to pray and leave flowers, especially on full moon days when more worshipers are present.
The site sits around 4 miles from Kala Wewa and is reached by a narrow road that runs through open countryside. Early morning hours offer soft light for photos and more comfortable temperatures for exploring.
The sculpture remains attached to the rock behind it and was carved directly from the living granite without ever being separated from the natural base. Stonecutters used the natural shape of the stone to form the figure, creating a single piece with the mountain.
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