Buduruwagala is a prominent Buddhist heritage site, located few km away from Wellawaya town in Monaragala district. This temple is unique because of its seven rock carved out sculptures belonging to Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
Buddha sculpture in Buduruwagala
Sri Lanka is largely considered as place for Therarawada Buddhism tradition. All most all the historical temples in Sri Lanka belonging to Therawada tradition. But there are few exceptions, which are belonging to Mahayana legacy. Buduruwagala is one of them.
Buddha sculpture in Buduruwagala
Worshiping for "Bodhi Sathva" figures is one of the key concept seen in Mahayana Buddhism. There are several such statues can be find in Buduruwagala site.
Buduruwagala statues are believed to be belonging to 10th century.
The main Buddha statue at the middle is considered as a statue of "Deepankara Buddha". This statue is 51 feet high. Still you can see some remaining of shaded colors on these sculptures. So that proved that these statues are brightly colored in historical days.
From left: Manju Sri Bodhisattva, Maitreya Bodhisattva & Vajrapani Bodhisathtva
On your right side, you can see three caved statues. Those believed to belongs to Manju Sri Bodhisattva, Maitreya Bodhisattva and Vajrapani Bodhisathtva.
From left: Sudhana Kumara, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva & Tara
The left side statues represents Sudhana Kumara, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva & Tara. The Avalokitevara statue is plastered while color and can be easily recognize.
The sub road to Buduruwagala from the main road has so many beautiful dry zone countryside attractions. You will be passing a tanks, jungles and there are some ruins also on this way.
Another old Stupa seen on the way to to Buduruwagala