Maligawila Buddha statue, Buddhist limestone statue in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka.
The Maligawila Buddha statue is a monumental limestone work in Monaragala District, carved from a single stone block. It displays fine details and balanced proportions that demonstrate the craftsmanship of its creators.
A prince of the seventh century commissioned this monumental work, which later broke into fragments and underwent multiple restorations. The major reconstruction occurred in the 1990s when the pieces were reassembled.
The statue displays the asisa mudra hand position, a gesture that is particularly common in this region of Sri Lanka. The left arm is draped with a robe, while the right hand is raised in a characteristic blessing pose.
Access to the statue is provided through a dedicated pathway that leads visitors to the site and is straightforward to navigate. The surrounding area is maintained and the designated grounds with ongoing conservation measures allow for a safe visit.
The head of the statue weighs several tons and shows the extraordinary technical achievement required for its original creation. This mass also demonstrates the complexity of the restoration work that was necessary to save the piece.
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