Cultural heritage site Dambegod Bosath Prathimawa in Sri Lanka

Dambegoda Bodhisattva Statue: Admire beautiful craftsmanship and peaceful surroundings.

Dambegoda Bodhisattva Statue: Admire beautiful craftsmanship and peaceful surroundings.

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

The Dambegoda Bodhisattva Statue is a colossal, 10th-century crystalline limestone carving of Avalokiteshvara, distinguished by its impressive height and its location near the famous Maligawila Buddha Statue, suggesting they were once part of a single ancient monastery complex.
  • Massive Size: The statue is 10 meters tall and stands on high ground, making it a dominating sight above the jungle canopy.
  • Historical Significance: It is believed to be built by King Dappula or Aggabodhi IV and dates back to the 9th or 10th century, linking it to Sri Lanka’s ancient Rajarata civilization.
  • Restoration Effort: The statue was once broken into many pieces by treasure hunters but was carefully restored with help from Germany.
  • Mahayanist Influence: The statue may represent the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, indicated by a miniature Buddha in its crown, reflecting Mahayana Buddhist influences.
  • Intricate Design: The statue is richly adorned with detailed royal jewellery, a beautifully crafted dhoti, and features a rare hand gesture called kataka-hastha, adding to its cultural and artistic importance.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

No

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Monaragala

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Dambegod Bosath Prathimawa Buddhist statue in Sri Lanka
Scenic surroundings of Dambegod Bosath Prathimawa

Guidelines

Dress Respectfully – As the site is a sacred Buddhist place, visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid hats, sleeveless tops, and short pants when entering the temple area. Remove Footwear and Headwear – Always remove shoes and hats before approaching the statue or any shrine area as a sign of respect. Maintain Silence and Respectful Behavior – Avoid loud conversations, laughter, or playing music. This site is a place of worship and meditation. Do Not Touch or Climb the Statue – The Dambegoda Bodhisattva is an ancient archaeological monument. Touching, leaning, or climbing can cause damage and is prohibited.