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Added by Jopie, at 12 March 2017
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7 Reviews
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27 April 2018
One of the ancient place that has unique statues of lord buddha.very peaceful place to visit.good place to bird watching.if u wanna take a walk looking around u may take ur shoes,slippers too..be aware of monkeys..
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31 March 2018
Sri Lanka is blessed with a vast array of monuments attesting the brilliance of ancient rock statue artists. However, it should be noted that such artistry is not limited to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Districts. Although it isn't as famous as many other statues residing in Rajarata, the Maligawila statues are masterpieces well worthy of local and international focus.
Maligawila is also a testament to the incomprehensible talent of the ancient rock carver in transforming a rough and heartless monolith into a fascinating masterpiece that embodies calm and peace of Buddhism very subtly.
In spite of the fact that Maligawila Ruins are filled with many historic monuments the focal points are the Dambegoda Bodhisatva Statue and the Standing Statue of Lord Buddha.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa, the Dambegoda Bodhisatva Statue was built by King Dappula I of Rohana region. This is considered to be the largest Avalokitheshwara Bodhisatva statue in Sri Lanka and is perched on top of a small cliff that can be accessed through a scenic stairwell. Ruins of its former glory are visible on both sides of the stairwell.
The ancient brick arch that supports the monolithic wonderMounted on a carved lotus pedestal, this statue is the largest monolithic statue of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka. The 34 foot statue resembles the "abhaya mudra" and is considered by scholars to be one of the most important masterpieces among the Sri Lankan statues. Except for the brick arch at the back the statue is freestanding, making it the world's largest freestanding Buddha statue. A matter of pride for out motherland. King Agrabodhi is credited with the erection of the Maligawila Buddhist statue, and it's believed to have been completed in 7th century A.D.
Former President (then Prime Minister) Ranasinghe Premadasa initated the resurrection project of the 40 foot tall Dambegoda Bodhisatva statue in conjucture to a stage focusing on Buttala in his signature "Gam Udawa" project. This was considered to be one of the most remarkable Buddhist monument ressurection projects of the 20th century. In addition to this massive endeavor, President Premadasa uplifted the standard of the entire complex.
Coming from Colombo along the A4 Highway, you will find the town of Buttala after passing Wellawaya. Take a right from the Buttala junction which also hosts a "Gam Udawa" clock tower. Just as you turn (after about 100 feet) there will be a road towards your left hand side adjacent to a three wheeler park. Take that left and travel along it into the deep heartlands of Moneragala district. You'll have to travel about 18km along this road and sign boards put up intermittently will assist you in finding the way.response / report this review -
21 February 2018
Most people are going here for only see two statues. But there are ruins of a palace beside the buddha statue. Visit there also. Most people are said this palace is belongs to prince Saddatissa. Also there is a well with lot of gems. Due to security reason that well is closed by archeological department sri lanka. Normaly you cant bring your vehicles to the site. So you have to walk arround 1.8km.
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21 January 2018
Most popular place.it is a great place with a historical value.
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23 December 2017
Maligawila comprises the ruins of an Image House and a Monastic Complex in an area of 400 acres. Archeologists believe that Maligawila is the Ariyakara Vihara mentioned in the chronicles. According to the chronicle Culavamsa King Aggabodhi who reigned from 667-683 A.D. had constructed a hospital for the blind and the sick at this place.
The ruined Image House could have been constructed with a vaulted stone roof, which may have had a perambulatory passage as evidenced from the findings.
The 37 feet 10 inches tall standing Buddha statue which belongs to the 7th -8th c A.D. is in the Samabhanga posture and displays the Abhaya Mudra. The moonstone at the entrance to the Image House is a unique creation.response / report this review -
19 April 2017
Historical place.
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19 March 2017
Peaceful monastery to visit. Do not forget to visit the Maligawila Buddha statue and the Dembegoda Bodhisathwa statue.
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