Avalokiteshvara statue, Dambegoda

Avalokiteshvara statue, Dambegoda

    Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Image at Dambegoda is located in a monastic complex in Maligawila near Okkampitiya, 18 km from Buttala. The statue was sculptured of the “Samabhanga” posture depicting strength, vitality, royalty, and displaying the Katakahasta Mudra. This image belongs to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The history of this statue is not clear. It is believed that the 15 cubits high Maitreya Boodhisatva statue built in Ruhuna by the king Dappula – I, would be this statue.

    This 10 m height, 40-ton weighted stature was damaged into small pieces by vandalizers. However, archaeologist in the Archaeological Department in Sri Lanka has painstakingly restored it in 1990.

    Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Image at Dambegoda is located in a monastic complex in Maligawila near Okkampitiya, 18 km from Buttala. The statue was sculptured of the “Samabhanga” posture depicting strength, vitality, royalty, and displaying the Katakahasta Mudra. This image belongs to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The history of this statue is not clear. It is believed that the 15 cubits high Maitreya Boodhisatva statue built in Ruhuna by the king Dappula – I, would be this statue.

    This 10 m height, 40-ton weighted stature was damaged into small pieces by vandalizers. However, archaeologist in the Archaeological Department in Sri Lanka has painstakingly restored it in 1990.