Giritale, Sri Lanka (site of the replica Avukana Buddha)
The impressive replica of Avukana Buddha in Giritale
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline Woon)
Among the many countries around the world, Sri Lanka is known for its rich Buddhist culture and heritage. It is where the the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is located, a place where kings ruled Sri Lanka’s central plains more than 1,000 years ago. It was a thriving commercial and religious city from the 11th to the 13th centuries, and the ancient city has many precious relics and Buddha statues.
A scene in ‘Save a Prayer’ music video
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO as it is one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in Sri Lanka, a reputable testimony to the greatness of its first rulers. In 1982, Duran Duran filmed their ‘Save a Prayer’ music video amongst the beautiful scenery there.
Present day Polonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city, known as one of the cleanest and more attractive cities in the country with a lush and green environment, amazingly ancient buildings, and the big attraction of the Parakrama Samudra Lake built in 1200 CE. The new town of Polonnaruwa now hosts the Kaduruwela area whilst the remaining is the ancient city with the same name.
Located 22 minutes away from Polonnaruwa is Giritale village. The driving distance between Giritale and Polonnaruwa is approximately 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) by car. Giritale is 216 kilometers away from northwest Colombo, 140 kilometers northwest of Kandy, 104 kilometers southwest of Anuradhapura and 30 kilometers northwest of Dambulla. Surrounding Giritale are various sites such as the Lotus Bath, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple), the majestic king’s council, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, and the statue of Parakramabahu – one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings. These are to name just a few of the many tourist attractions in close proximity to Giritale.
Sun setting over Giritale Lake photographed by Clem. C
Giritale has a lake that was built by King Agbo II in the 12th century and it is said to be the deepest lake in Polonnaruwa and includes one of the most extensive ancient irrigation systems within Sri Lanka. Giritale was a place that didn’t attract that much attention, in order for it to remain unspoilt, and without large groups of visitors.
What is priceless is experiencing the calm and feeling the gentle breeze that constantly blows across the lake creating conditions for the mind to relax and forget all life’s worries. The extraordinary sight of the ghostly image of Gunners Rock (Dimbulagala) standing atop the lakeshore through the morning mist adds to the mystic of the place.
The stupa at the Dimbulagala Temple and the Akasa Chaithya at the top of the rock
The Minneriya-Giritale National Park is formed by the catchment area and the forestry that blends seamlessly with Minneriya Lake. There is an abundance of safari jeeps ready to offer transport at the entrances located near the Minneriya part of the Park, and it is not uncommon to see many wildlife around Giritale itself. Hence, Minneriya and Giritale form one of Sri Lanka’s Important Bird Areas (IBA). Giritale also seems to have a magnetic effect that draws in large flocks of diverse avian fauna.
Flocks of hundreds of egrets belonging to various subspecies cross the shoreline and attend to their catches daily. Their greatest threat or competition comes from eagles and falcons, circling the water’s surface waiting and timing their dive to catch fish.
The aerial waltz acted out by these two species of avian predators is enough to keep an observer spell bound. At times this aerial dance swells with dramatic effect when flocks of egrets also decide to join in, forming vortex spanning hundreds of feet into the air.
Minneriya-Giritale National Park elephant safari
Walking around in the lush, resplendent green plains of Giritale can be a perfect getaway. The silence is serene and the cool breeze is soothing, what more can one ask for? As the white-green grass sways silently in the gentle breeze, local fishermen set out in their boats, heading out to draw in their catch. On the horizon men and women alike dot the placid lake, carefully hauling in nets onto their boats. The visual feast is something extraordinary today.
Although it has undergone extensive renovations during the past century, Giritale holds strong to its ancient roots. The sluice gate of the bund is still clearly seen, set in smooth granite. When the water level rises sufficiently, the outlet swings to life, gushing out water onto the irrigation canal that has been conveying water to the paddy fields for centuries.
The mystery of this outlet is that the sluice inlet is yet to be discovered, despite numerous attempts to find it. Only time will tell, how the kings of the long lost era preserved it as a well held secret. For certain, the ancient monarchs wanted to be sure that the people are never without water. In addition, scattered across the plains are carvings on rocks, presumably for anchorage of some superstructure, which remains lost in time.
If visitors are not lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the natural wildlife in Giritale, they can visit the next best show, a wildlife museum in close vicinity. This museum offers a limited yet exclusive collection of specimens including a few notables, such as the elusive black leopard, the white deer, the skull of Sri Lanka’s last known elephant with crossed tusks, and many other animals which are preserved as stuffed specimens such as a baby elephant, sambar and flying squirrels to name a few.
Last but not least, is the magnificent 12 meter (39 feet) high standing replica of Avukana Buddha (also spelt as Aukana, Awkana) that was believed to have been sculpted during the 5th century, during the reign of Dhatusena. There are some sources that date the Buddha statue to the 12th or 13th century. The best time to see this magnificent representation of the Avukana Buddha is at dawn, when the sun’s rays cast onto the statue revealing its finely carved features.
The replica of the Avukana statue, like the original one located in Dambulla is in typical Sri Lankan Buddhist style, first recorded in the 4th century during the Anuradhapura period. This style features the Buddha in robes with the right shoulder exposed.The edge of the robe is shown on the left side. The open end of the robe is usually held up due to an upraised left hand, over which the open side hangs. This style and representation is related to the Mahayana forms of worship in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Buddha’s pose and ashiva mudra signifies blessings, while the burst of fire above his head represents the power of complete enlightenment.
A number of tourist hotels have been built bordering the Giritale Lake, and Giritale has now become one of Sri Lanka’s major tourist destinations, not only with foreigners but also locals. Throughout the years tourist numbers at Giritale have increased tremendously. All the hotels are built in such a manner that guests get panoramic views of the Giritale Lake from their rooms. The general area of Giritale is also said to have been venue for monks’ retreat during the time of the ancient kings. A neglected rock pond and a lone temple at Agbopura in the jungle hint at that.
Travellers Information
How To Get There
Bus from Colombo (6 hours), Kandy (3 hours), Anuradhapura (3 hours) or Dambulla (1 hour). Or hire a car with driver.
What To Wear
Wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders (especially women) when visiting some of the ruins at the Ancient City.
Where To Stay In Giritale
- Deer Park Hotel
The Deer Park has accommodation in a string of cute little buildings scattered around beautiful wooded grounds with fine lake views. Visitors can choose between the spacious rooms and even larger two-storey cottages, all with nice open-air showers. Facilities include a cute two-tier pool and Ayurveda centre.Address: The Deer Park, Girithale, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94 (0)27 777 7777 | +94 (0)27 224 6272
Fax: +94 (0)27 27 224 6470
Email: Reservations:reservations@deerparksrilanka.com
Website: www.deerparksrilanka.com - Giritale Hotel
The longest running of Giritale’s hotels, looking a bit dated in places (the pool is so old it’s almost retro), although the recently renovated rooms (all with lake views) are cosy and well maintained, and the superb location, in a commanding position high above Giritale lake can’t be beat.Address: Giritale Hotel, Giritale, Polonnnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94 (0)27 224631
Email: giritaleh@carcumb.com
Website: www.giritalehotel.com
Source: http://serendib.btoptions.lk/article.php?id=1587
References:
- Avukana Buddha statue from Wikipedia.org
- AGiritale: The Silent Angel Of Rajarata from Btoptions.lk
- Gavin Thomas, The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka, 5ft edition, November 2015
- Giritale: the 12th century Ocean Lake from Archives.sundayobserver.lk
- The case of Avukana Buddha: Misconceptions about Sri Lankan Buddha image by D. G. B. de Silva from Island.lk
For more interesting information:
- Dambulla cave temple
- Occasion of painting Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- Buduruvagala
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
- Tooth Relic of our Gauthama Buddha
- 83 Grand Statues of the World
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Very good and interesting article about Giritale, Sri Lanka and it’s replica statue of Avukana Buddha. Love the description of the write up and the beautiful scenery too. Thank you Pastor Adeline for sharing this article and beautiful pictures. Great work! 🙂
Much dharma studies and teachings have gone on in the land of Sri Lanka, may it remain long as a bastion of buddhist learning and scholarship.
The monastic traditions of Sri Lanka has benefitted many around the world, Malaysia is one country that has benefitted much from the presence and service from Sri Lankan clergy.
This Avukana Buddha statue so magnificent. This statue really draw my attention to read this article. Giritale is really good place to visit because it remain ancient root on tourist places. I think it is the time to visit Giritale before more people visit and getting crowded.
I am so happy to see the wildlife animals can live freely.
This is very nice sharing. Thanks Pastor Adeline provided us accommodation details at Giritale.
Jason
Thank you Pastor Adeline for sharing this article. It is amazing that Sri Lanka have such beautiful scenery sites that are serene & peaceful. This kind of environment is best if the person is doing meditation or retreat. Surprisingly there is also a beautiful huge statue of the Avukana Buddha in Sri Lanka. If given the chance, I would like to go and visit Sri Lanka.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank you for sharing this huge and impressive replica of Avukana Buddha in Giritale.
This huge outdoor statue built up is definitely bring much benefits to all sentient beings. When the sentient beings see this holy statue, it may help them to create the cause of happiness, they may have faith in Avukana Buddha, make offerings and pray to him. The people will have more interest to learn the qualities of the Buddha, learn and practice dharma for the benefits of others.
This Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is carved beautifully. The Buddha’s face is very calm like emanating lots of bright lights. I noticed the hand mudra is very different from the Tibetan lineage, perhaps this could be common in Sri Lanka itself. Im fortunate enough to have the opportunity visited The Buddha’s Tooth Relics temple many years ago, and i hope we can have a pilgrimage trip to Sri Lanka again in near future.
Thank you Pastor Adeline. This is a lovely post on the beautiful replica of the Avukana Buddha and on the beautiful village of Giritale. Small wonder that Sri Lanka in general and the Avukana Buddha statue in particular(as well as the region where the Giritale village is located) draw crowds of pilgrims and tourists all the time.
This post reflects the rich Buddhist culture and heritage of Sri Lanka as seen in the area around Giritale, with all the pilgrimage and historical sites. Giritale is a beautiful unspoiled village, with a scenic and beautiful lake, so calm and serene, with a gentle breeze blowing over the water and through the trees around. On the shores of the lake is a replica of the Avukana Buddha standing 12 meters tall, resplendent and stately, white against a backdrop of black rock, very impressive indeed. The form and pose are distinctive, with the right hand raised in an ashiva mudra to signify blessings. There is even a burst of fire above the head to represent the power of complete enlightenment!
There are other holy and historical sites nearby to draw pilgrims and tourists. A great attraction for lovers of nature and wildlife must surely be the Minneriya-Giritale National Park. The peaceful quiet and beauty of lush greenery is there. The place also houses many types of wildlife. For wildlife, if you are lucky, you will be held spellbound by the magnificent display of predator birds, swooping down and diving into the water of the lake to catch the fish. You may even be lucky to see a dramatic dance in the air, when flocks of egrets also decide to join in, forming a vortex spanning hundreds of feet into the air. A truly magnificent sight! There is also a museum to visit!
What a lovely place to go to on pilgrimage and as a tourist!
This is fascinating and when I googled Avukana Buddha and it turned out that it is the style of depicting the Buddha probably developed in the Avukana region that is called Avukana. The one in Giritale is actually a contemporary rendition of the ancient Avukana Buddha at Dambulla. There is another one near Kekirawa that has a fascinating story about its carver.
Sri Lanka we know it to be a Buddhist country but we hardly hear much about its touristy sites or even anything about the Buddhist sites from that country. I think the only place I know is Kandy with its tooth relic temple. While I was in Sri Lanka, I did notice an abundance of temples everywhere and shrines to the Buddha are like everywhere, just like it is in Thailand. Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing another beautiful Buddhist treasure from Sri Lanka!
Such a beautiful place in Giritale, Sri Langka. The place not only offer lots of greenaries, a park, beautiful lake but a large replica of Avukana Buddha. It must be very blessed to visit Giritale. Another place of visit to plan for 🙂
Very informative and interesting arrticle of such a beautiful replica Avukana Buddha in Sri Lanka.Having a big statues will definately bless the people as well as the surounding area.Its a typical Sri Lankan Buddhist style which showed us that Buddhism was there centuries ago.Its rich in Buddhist culture, heritage and was declared a World Heritage.Thats wonderful ,hope to visit there some day.A clean and attractive cities in the country with a lush and green environment worth visiting. There is a lot of attractions and ancient buildings for tourist to explore with accommodation available around the beautiful lake.
Thank you Pastor Adeline for sharing.
This sounds like a very interesting place to visit. The bonus here is that it can be such a very calming break for a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka and beyond. So much natural beauty with history to all reconnect with nature and the past.
Thank you, Pastor Adeline for highlighting this.
Rejoice to see a huge outdoor Buddha statue built in the midst of lush green plain with beautiful lake where animals can live in freedom. The whole setup displays peace and harmonious, which are the essence of Buddhism practice.
The original Avukana statue was built in the 5th century, having a replica rebuilt now emphasizes that the faith in Buddism is strong. Kudos to the Sri Lankan people for this project, as now many people who pay homage to the Buddha and the land as well as the habitants, will be blessed.
It opens my eyes to the unique tradition of Sri Lankan Buddha statue. The details of the Avukana statue and its replica bear the best example of standing Buddha statue from ancient Sri Lanka. The statue is usually depicted with the robe tightly worn, which clearly outline the shape of the body. The pleats of the robe are carved clearly, delicately and elaborately. The tradition of Buddha statues in Sri Lanka wear the robe over the left shoulder while leaving the right shoulder bare.
Thank you, Pastor Adeline, for this informative article.
Rereading this article, I noted that Buddha’s pose is in Ashiva Mudra which signifies blessings. When I google Ashiva Mudra, only the image (or link to the image) of Avukana statue showed up. And the triange-ish object on Buddha’s head is a burst of fire which means power of complete enlightenment. These are valuable knowledge that cannot be found elsewhere, thank you so much Rinpoche and Pastor.