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AUKANA BUDDHA STATUE

The Aukana Buddha statue, a towering symbol of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and artistic excellence, beckons travelers from far and wide to immerse themselves in its awe-inspiring presence. Situated in the serene village of Avukana, near the Kala Wewa reservoir in the Anuradhapura District, this majestic statue offers a captivating glimpse into the island nation's ancient history and spiritual significance.

Legend has it that the magnificent Aukana Buddha was sculpted during the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century, although some accounts suggest a later origin in the 12th or 13th century. The name "Aukana," meaning "sun-eating" and "dawn," evokes the breathtaking spectacle of the first rays of sunlight illuminating the finely carved features of the colossal statue, making dawn the ideal time to behold its magnificence.

The origins of the Aukana Buddha statue are steeped in mystery, with a captivating legend recounting a competition between a master sculptor (guru) and his pupil (gola). King Dhatusena, it is said, promised to reward whichever sculptor completed his work first. The master sculptor emerged victorious, completing the statue, while his pupil, unable to match his mentor's skill, abandoned his unfinished project.

Emerging majestically from a rocky cliff face, the Aukana statue is a testament to ancient craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity. Hewn from a single granite rock, the statue appears to stand in solitary splendor, yet is subtly connected to the cliff by a narrow strip of rock. At its base, a lotus flower pedestal, intricately carved and placed beneath the statue, adds to its grandeur and symbolism.

Renowned as one of the finest examples of standing Buddha statues from ancient Sri Lanka, the Aukana statue bears influences from the Gandhara and Amaravati schools of art in India. The intricately carved robe, worn tightly over the left shoulder with the right shoulder exposed, reflects the traditional style of Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. The Buddha's posture, with the left hand grasping the robe and the right hand raised to the right shoulder in the Asisa mudra, exudes tranquility and compassion.

One of the most intriguing features of the Aukana statue is its precise alignment, purportedly such that raindrops falling on the nose cascade down to a small depression carved between the toes. This phenomenon, contingent on the absence of wind, adds to the statue's mystique and highlights the skill of its ancient craftsmen.

A visit to Anuradhapura would be incomplete without beholding the splendor of the Aukana Buddha statue. Surrounding attractions, including the breathtaking Kala Wewa tank, offer travelers the opportunity to unwind and indulge in a picnic amidst stunning natural vistas.

In conclusion, the Aukana Buddha statue stands as an enduring symbol of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and spiritual legacy. Its towering presence and exquisite craftsmanship continue to captivate visitors, inviting them to delve into the timeless beauty and profound spirituality of ancient Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

 

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