Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

Historical Background

King Kashyapa I, the king’s son by a non-royal concubine, built Sigiriya to be impenetrable. Kashyapa I seized the throne after entombing his father, King Dhatusena, within a wall while still alive; the true heir to the throne, Moggallana, fled to South India, as he feared for his life. It was out of fear of an attack that Kashyapa I moved the capital as well as his residence from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya and built his fortress and pleasure palace on top of a rock where no one could reach it.

After assembling an army in India, Moggallana returned to Sri Lanka and declared war against King Kashyapa I. However, during the battle, King Kashyapa I’s soldiers deserted him, and he, in turn, committed suicide by falling on his sword.

Entrance

The entrance to the palace is flanked by massive stone paws of a lion, which inspired Sigiriya’s name, which means “Lion Rock.” The entry to the castle used to be through the mouth of a lion; however, over time, the head collapsed, leaving only the paws.

Sigiriya Frescoes

Perhaps the best-known feature of Sigiriya are the colorful murals, located in the “Cobra Hood Cave,” depicting beautiful damsels holding flowers. At one point, an area measuring 140 meters long (459 feet) and 40 meters high (131 feet) featured over 500 of these maidens; however, only a few remain today. The subject of much adoration, many poets who have visited Sigiriya over the centuries have penned their thoughts, and most of these can still be seen today on the Mirror Wall.

Famous Mirror Wall

Researchers believe the Mirror Wall was originally highly polished so that the king could see himself as he walked by the wall. Today, however, it features the “graffiti” of visitors who have visited Sigiriya, some of which date back to the 8th century. These inscriptions, including poems, as translated by Dr. Senerat Paranavitana, describe the feelings of awe that visitors felt when witnessing the beauty and the grandeur of the castle.

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original name: Sigiriya
geographical location: Central, Sri Lanka, Asia
geographical coordinates: 7° 57' 0" North, 80° 45' 0" East