Sigiriya
Sigiriya has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rock rises to a height of about 600 feet. Sigiriya is situated in Matale district. About 10 kilometres away from Dambulla town.
Beginning of the Reign
Prince Kashyapa, the man who assassinated his father, King Dhathusena, in order to usurp the throne. According to the historical evidence, King Mugalan should inherit the throne after the death of his father, known as King Dhathusena, who was assassinated by prince Kashyapa for the throne. However, the throne was not given to the Mugalan by prince Kashyapa. Mugalan then fled Sri Lanka and migrated to India. The prince Kashyapa then fled Anuradhapura and took refuge in the area now known as ‘Sigiriya’.
Also the prince chose the location because it was a very safe place to live. Because prince Kashyapa realized that Mugalan would come here one day and depose me for take over the throne. This is why he chose Sigiriya over Anuradhapura as the location of his reign. After that prince Kashyapa was crowned as King Kashyapa (477-495 CE) in Sri Lanka.
Why is it known as Lion’s Rock?
Sigiriya is also known as ‘Sinha giri’, where ‘Sinha’ refers to a Lion in Sinhala. A profile structure of a Lion made of bricks stood at the rock’s entrance. The front of the structure has been demolished. However, the front legs were saved from the excavations done by Mr.H.C.P.Bell in the period from 1910 to 1911 in Sigiriya. That is why it is known as the Lion’s rock.
Unbelievable Happened
According to the historical documents, there was a palace complex there that served as a citadel. Even today, we can see the remains of palaces. The art of gardening and the construction of the buildings here show Sri Lanka’s great Architectural, Irrigational and Engineering abilities in the past. According to many, there was a two story palace on top of the Rock.
Several Buildings, Ponds, Pathways and Ramparts are the several things that remain there with the area of 3.5 acres. There is also a seat on top of the rock which is made from a stone. There were also Palaces of the King located in ground lower gardens as well. It was surrounded by moats and ramparts. The palaces had air circulation coldness even in the summer. Parks, water gardens and terraces are on the ground level of the citadel.
Most important feature is the irrigation system built by King Kashyapa. Even now, there is a pond which is located on the top of the rock and is still filled with water. A mysterious unexplained hidden device transports water from the ground level to the top of the rock. It is still a mystery to the people as well as archaeologists.
After 18 years’ absence, Mugalan returned to Sri Lanka with an entourage from India. When King Kashyapa’s troops deserted him at the end of his rule he committed suicide. The kingship was then given to King Moggallana also known as Mugalan. Then he got the throne and chose his reign as Anuradhapura.
Ketapath Paura
There is a
wall in a middle sector of the rock known as ‘Ketapath Paura’.
The arts on
‘Ketapath Paura’ are one of the most significant aspects. Natural colours from
blossoms were used to colour them and certain parts of the trees were used as
well. We can see the painting style of Anuradhapura reign has been used here.
These arts are quite similar to the arts in India. There are only 22 arts left presently.
Mr. Senarath Paranawithana, the best historian ever in Sri Lanka, noted that the arts displayed on the wall were about the princesses of Vijjulatha and Meghalatha, as well as the dance of girls in the Kingdom. On the other hand, one of the best Archaeologists, Mr.H.C.P.Bell said that the queens of King Kashyapa who are going to pilgrimage to the temple known as Pidurangala Viharaya are showing in the arts.
However, the dexterity of the artist was demonstrated when he used the lotus and blue lotus to suggest that this scene occurred in the evening. Long time after the reign of King Kashyapa, people used the ‘Ketapath Paura’ to write down their thoughts.
According
to historians and archaeologists, the ‘Sigiriya’ was used as a communication
centre by people in Sri Lanka in the 7th century following the rule
of King Kashyapa. It shows itself through the writings of those people in the
‘Ketapath Paura’.
Modern Opinions of Sigiriya
According to modern scholars, the front legs of the structure are not those of lion. Each foot of the Lion has four fingers. However, both foot have three fingers here in the structure. As a result, academics believe it is a symbol of some sort of bird.
Further, the recent researches claim that a seven- story palace was built inside the rock by King ‘Ravana’ centuries ago. King ‘Ravana’ was a great king in Sri Lanka. The site where the lion structure was built, served as the main entrance to the Palace. Archaeologists believe that the seat, which is on the top of the rock, was utilized by King ‘Ravana’.
Pidurangala
This is also a rock just next to Sigiriya. When the monarch Kashyapa decided to construct a new palace, he desired it to be built on top of the Sigiriya rock. There was already a monastery on top of that rock. The King approached the monks at that monastery and requested if he may build his castle there and move their monastery here.
As a result, he discovered this rock for them. He also assisted in the construction of the monastery here. This is about 200 metres tall which is located two kilometres away from Sigiriya. Gates are open from 5.00 am until 6.00 pm every day for the pilgrims. The Pidurangala temple is located at the base of the cliff. The ascent begins from there.
According to legends, King Kashyapa received messages from his soldiers on the Pidurangala cliff when the attackers were coming to reign.
Great
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