Cave Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka

History of Dambulla Caves

Dambulla Cave Temple history dates back to the ancient times, precisely the first century BCE. It is believed that King Valagamba of Anuradhapura, revolted against and overthrown by South Indian invasions, sough refuge in these caves during his exile and transformed them into temples. After he regained his empire after 15 long years, he built temples here out of gratitude. The kings who came later made their additions to the structure of this temple. The gilding of caves and the addition of 70 Buddha statues in 1190 was carried out by Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa. On the other hand, the additions and restorations done in the 18th century were carried out by the Kingdom of Kandy.

Significance and attractions of the Dambulla Caves

Dambulla Cave Temple of Sri Lanka used to be home to prehistoric civilians before Buddhism arrived in the country, as proven by the 2700-year-old human skeletons found at Ibbankatuwa near the caves. The major attractions are spread over five caves, which have paintings and statues of Sri Lankan kings of the yore, and of gods and goddesses of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Cave of the Divine King is the first cave, which has a 14m Buddha statue and an account of the foundation of the monastery in Brahmi script. The second one, Cave of the Great Kings is the largest one and the third cave, the Great New Monastery has 50 Buddha statues and famous Buddhist revivalist king of Kandy, Kirti Sri Rajasinha. To reach the caves at a height of 150m, one has to climb the famous Dambulla Cave Temple steps for 364 stairs.