The Avukana Buddha

At a Glance

This massive stone statue of the Buddha near the village of Kekirawa dates back to the 5th century.

The Story 

The Avukana Buddha statue is a standing statue of the Buddha located near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, 14 meters high, was carved from a large granite rock face during the 5th century. The Buddha’s robe is elaborately carved with deep folds. The Buddha holds his robe high at the left shoulder. His right hand is raised to his right shoulder in a local variation of the abhaya, or franting fearlessness mudra, known as the asisa mudra. Legends say that this statue was carved during the reign of Dhatusena as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. 

The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction. It bears a close resemblance to the Maligawila statue. 

Ruins around the statue indicate that an image house had been constructed around the statue. It appears to have been about 24 meters each in length and breadth, with thick walls 4 standing about 20 meters high.