The history of the Dambulla cave shrines dates back over 2,000 years, with their foundation credited to King Vattagamani Abhaya in the 1st century B.C.. Initially used as shelters by Buddhist monks, ancient inscriptions confirm their early religious significance. Over time, these caves were transformed into image-shrines. The site’s importance continued to grow through centuries. Historical documents called Tudapata provide detailed accounts of donations and restorations by successive rulers. These include the Tudapata of King Narendrasimha (1726 A.D.), King Kirti Sri Rajasimha (1780 A.D.), and the Nilagama Tudapata. These texts complement the site’s inscriptions and chronicles, offering invaluable historical insights. In the 12th century, King Nissankamalla restored and gilded many Buddha statues. Later, during the 17th and 18th centuries, King Senarat and King Kirti Sri Rajasimha led significant renovations. The majority of the paintings in Caves 2 and 3 are credited to Kirti Sri Rajasimha’s reign (1747–1780). The Dambulla cave paintings are renowned for their exquisite detail and religious storytelling. They portray scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales, and images of Bodhisattvas from both Hinayana and Mahayana traditions. The interiors are richly decorated with abstract and natural motifs, enhancing the sacred atmosphere. Many prominent Buddha statues, seated or standing, are positioned beneath elaborately designed makara-toranas, in styles such as makara-makara or simha-makara arches, symbolizing divine protection and artistic mastery.

The first cave of the Dambulla Cave Temple, known as Dev Raja Viharaya, is one of its most sacred and fascinating spaces. According to legend, the cave’s reclining Buddha statue, depicting the Parinirvana (final passing away) of the Buddha, was created overnight by the god Visvakarma, disguised as an old stonemason. Painted by the king afterward, the cave earned its name, meaning "God and King". The statue, built on the original cave boulder around 100 BC, shows signs of the Buddha’s passing—partially open eyes, a sunken stomach, bent left knee, and toes slightly misaligned. Beside him stands Ananda, holding a flower stalk, confirming the Mahaparinibbana posture. A makara-torana entrance leads to the cave, featuring simha-makaras with divinities holding swords and two Suddhavasa-Brahmas flanking a kirtimukha. The cave also contains twenty-three Buddha images in a row, representing the twenty-four Buddhas of the Past, along with a large panel of the Buddha preaching to his disciples. The richly decorated ceiling of Cave 2 features scenes from the Buddha's life, especially his Enlightenment after defeating Mara, refurbished during the Kandy Kingdom by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. Geometric motifs of squares, hexagons, and circles add rhythm and structure. The cave also depicts Visvakarma, the divine architect, with ten arms holding symbolic tools, further emphasizing the cave’s divine and royal significance.

Maha Alut Viharaya, the second largest cave in the Dambulla complex, was added during a later phase of temple expansion. It houses 57 statues5 carved from rock, and the rest made of clay and wood. Like Cave 2, it features a serene resting Buddha statue, symbolizing peace. At the entrance is a traditional Makara Torana, flanked by two naga kings holding Vases of Plenty. Above it are images of four major deities, two Suddhavasa Brahmas, and other divine figures. Inside, 50 Buddha statues and representations of the four Buddhas of the Past enhance the cave’s sacred ambiance. A key feature is the portrait of King Kirti Sri Rajasingha (18th century), known for commissioning 73 Buddha images. His statue appears in richly painted robes beside two seated Buddhas, with courtiers offering flowers and floral scrollwork forming a tapestry-like background. A nearby arahant monk adds a spiritual dimension. Above the entrance, a mural shows the Investiture of Metteyya, the future Buddha, and another depicts him in Tusita Heaven receiving prophecy from the Thousand Buddhas. The ceiling is adorned with repeated images of Buddhas on red or grey platforms, symbolizing timeless presence. A cosmological mural of Lake Anotatta shows streams flowing from the mouths of four animalselephant, bull, horse, and lion representing cosmic harmony. Forest scenes with Pacceka-Buddhas, wild animals, and fruit trees blend nature and spirituality, making this rock-carved cave a place of artistic and devotional significance.

Devana-Alut Viharaya, meaning “the temple built newly in the second term”, is the most recent addition to the Dambulla cave temple complex. This shrine is relatively modern compared to the ancient caves, and all 11 statues inside are made of clay. These statues were created by Dullawe Adhikaram, a talented local artist. In 1915, the shrine was renovated by the nobleman Ehelepola of Tolambugolle Korale, who was associated with the Tholomugolla Walawwa. Though newer in construction, the temple appears older because of the differences in artistic techniques used across generations, from 2,100 years ago to more recent times. The shrine room faces south and lacks the traditional Makara Torana (dragon arch) seen in the older temples. On the eastern wall, statues of Vishnu, Kataragama, and a nobleman holding a staff are displayed. A seated Buddha statue with an elaborate back-cushion adds grace to the eastern corner. The walls feature modern-style paintings, distinguishing this cave from the others. On the ceiling above the doorway, there is a striking panel showing the Buddha in Vitarka Mudra, delivering a sermon to two rows of worshipping arahants. Though newer, Devana-Alut Viharaya still holds deep cultural and religious significance. Its combination of modern artistry and timeless devotion makes it an important part of the Dambulla temple complex, reflecting the continuity of Buddhist worship through the centuries.

What to Wear:

• Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered, especially for temples)
• Light, comfortable footwear (you will need to remove shoes at temple entrances)

Carry Water and Snacks:

• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your climb to the cave temples.
• Light snacks are fine, but please avoid littering help preserve this sacred site.

Photography Tips:

• Drones are not allowed near religious sites without prior government approval.
• Respect signage for photography restrictions inside caves, especially near murals and Buddha statues.
• Avoid flash photography; it can damage ancient artworks.

Visitor Caution

• The climb to the cave temples involves steep stone steps. Take your time, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid midday heat.
• Monkeys roam around the temple grounds; keep food sealed and avoid feeding them.
• Expect hot weather; start early and bring sun protection.

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Let Dambulla inspire you one statue, one step, and one sacred silence at a time.