awindu k dampahala

5.0

The Maligawila Buddha statue is a standing figure of the Buddha in Sri Lanka, which was carved out of a large limestone rock during the 7th century by prince Aggabodhi, who ruled Ruhuna at that time. It is the tallest free-standing ancient statue of the Buddha in the country. It had been broken into several pieces by the time it was found in 1951. The statue was reconstructed and raised again in 1980 under the direction of the then president Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Malinda Rukshan

5.0

The Maligawila Buddha Statue is a colossal and highly significant standing figure of the Buddha located in the Moneragala District of Sri Lanka. Key facts about the statue: • Height and Material: Standing at a towering height of approximately 11.53 meters (37 feet 10 inches), it is the tallest ancient free-standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. It was meticulously carved out of a single large limestone rock. • Creation: It is generally attributed to a local ruler, Prince Aggabodhi, who commissioned it in the 7th century AD for the Pathma Vihara temple complex. • Artistic Style: The statue displays the Asisa Mudra (a variation of the Abhaya Mudra, or gesture of fearlessness), with the right hand raised to the shoulder. Its style is often compared to the famous Avukana Buddha statue. • Rediscovery and Restoration: The statue was found fallen from its pedestal and broken into several pieces in 1951. After a failed attempt, it was painstakingly reconstructed and successfully re-erected in 1980 (or 1991, depending on the source) under the direction of then-President Ranasinghe Premadasa, restoring it to its original majestic form.

Savindu Nirman

4.0

The Maligawila Buddha Statue is a magnificent ancient monument located near Buttala in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. It is one of the tallest free-standing Buddha statues in the country and an important symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. 🪷 Overview: Name: Maligawila Buddha Statue Location: Maligawila village, about 15 km southeast of Monaragala, near Buttala Height: Approximately 11 meters (36 feet) Material: Carved entirely from a single block of limestone Era: Believed to have been built in the 7th century AD Built by: Prince Agarbodhi, son of King Dappula I 🏛️ Historical Significance: The statue was commissioned during the Anuradhapura period, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship and devotion to Buddhism of that era. Over time, it had fallen and broken into pieces, but it was reassembled and restored in 1991 by the Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology. 🌿 Surroundings: The site also includes the nearby Dambegoda Avalokitesvara statue, believed to represent a Bodhisattva (possibly Natha or Avalokiteshvara). The serene setting, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient ruins, creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. 🙏 Visiting Experience: Visitors often describe the Maligawila Buddha Statue as awe-inspiring due to its massive size, calm expression, and fine detail. It’s a quiet, less-crowded heritage site, ideal for reflection and photography. 📍 How to Get There: From Buttala, travel about 15 km along the Monaragala–Okkampitiya road to reach Maligawila. The road is well-marked, and there’s a small parking area near the site.

TV Fast and Live

5.0

The Maligawila Buddha statue is a standing figure of the Buddha in Sri Lanka, which was carved out of a large limestone rock during the 7th century by a prince named Aggabodhi who was the ruler of Ruhuna at the time. It is the tallest free-standing ancient statue of the Buddha found in the country. It had been broken into several pieces by the time it was found in 1951. The statue was reconstructed and raised again in 1980 under the direction of the then president Ranasinghe Premadasa. Maligawila Buddha statue Appearance edit The Maligawila Buddha statue is located close to the village of Maligawila in the Moneragala District of the Uva Province in Sri Lanka. It has been carved from a single large limestonerock, and is considered to be the tallest ancient free-standing image in Sri Lanka, at a height of 37 feet 10 inches (11.53 m). Along with the Buddha statues of Avukana and Buduruvagala, the Maligawila Buddha statue is considered one of the best examples of the standing image of the Buddha from ancient Sri Lanka. It bears a close resemblance to the Avukana statue, and depicts the same asisa mudra, a variation of the Abhaya mudra. The standing Buddha clutches the robe at the left shoulder, while the right hand is raised to the right shoulder. Ruins around the statue indicate that an image house had been constructed around the statue. It appears to have been about 80 feet (24 m) each in length and breadth, with walls 4 feet (1.2 m) thick. Its height would have been about 65 feet (20 m). History and restoration edit According to the ancient chronicle Chulavamsa, the statue was built in the 7th century by a prince named Aggabodhi from Ruhuna. It mentions that he built a temple named Pathma Vihara, and also constructed a great statue of the Buddha there. The statue was discovered in 1951, fallen from its pedestal and lying broken to pieces. Before that, it had been damaged by treasure hunters around 1948. 1974 attempt to raise the Maligawila statue ended in failure. However, another attempt was made in 1991 under then-president Ranasinghe Premadasa. Several of the broken pieces had been damaged, including the right hand, face and feet; these were repaired before reconstructing the statue and re-erecting it. This has been described as a "very significant task" carried out under Premadasa's direction. The Restoration was done by Lankem CeylonPLC Sri Lanka and the chief technical advisor was Mr Kirthi Samarasuriya (founder of Petrokem Lanka (Pvt) Ltd) who came up with the epoxy adhesive to chemically paste the pieces together. The successful raising of the statue was undertaken by Mr. Gemunu Silva (State Engineering Corporation) and Mr. H.A. Wijegunawardhana (Chief Engineer, Sri Lanka Ports Authority). The Maligawila Buddha statue attracts a large number of pilgrims every year.

Dilan Jayarathna

5.0

Maligawila – An Ancient Place with a Rich History Maligawila is an ancient site with great historical significance. In 1975, archaeologists discovered a remarkable statue here. However, when they attempted to lift it, the statue broke into three parts. In September 1991, President Ranasinghe Premadasa intervened and initiated efforts to stand and restore the statue. You can visit Maligawila by bus. Buses to Maligawila are available from the Buttala and Monaragala bus stands. From Buttala, the fare is around Rs. 120, and from Monaragala, it is about Rs. 150. In addition to the ancient statue, a new temple has also been built nearby. The site is truly amazing and worth a visit for anyone interested in Sri Lanka's history and culture.