Aukana Buddha
One of Sri Lanka’s best tourist attractions is undoubtedly the Buddha of Aukana.
You will wonder how this huge Aukana Buddha was carved.
Like the great architectural figures of Sri Lanka, this statue was also carved in the rock.
Imagine that the author found a huge granite boulder and began to carve and carve up to extract this huge figure of over 13 meters. Specifically 11.84 meters which with the pedestal reaches 13 meters.
The only part that is separate is the pedestal, on which the Buddha stands, in the form of a lotus flower. Once carved it was placed under the statue.
When was it carved?
The figure of Aukana Buddha was made in the fifth century by order of King Dhatusena.
Tell Legend says …
As we have already said, this Buddha was commissioned by King Datusena. Although there is also a widespread legend that says that the Buddha of Aukana was born as a result of a competition between the Master and his Student.
It seems that Teacher and Student have started building a large Buddha in several places in the northern area near Anuradhapura. The teacher finished the Buddha first and the student abandoned his unfinished work.
Where is it ?
The Buddha of Aukana (or Avukana) is 51 km from Anuradhapura and 50 from Sigiriya. So you can easily integrate this visit into your trip to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.
Location of Aukana Buddha
What does the position of the Buddha’s hands mean?
The figure represents the standing Buddha, in a variant of the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture that induces reassurance and salvation, as the open hand in front symbolizes distancing and detachment from fear.
Visiting hours
It can be visited from 7:30 to 18:00 and is open every day of the year.
Visit price:
1,000 Sri Lankan rupees
Sri Lanka is indeed the perfect place for children and for people who like animals and nature.
This country is incredibly green.
It is impossible not to find elephant herds on safari or even on the same road traveling.
It is also very easy to see leopards, macaques and other types of monkeys, giant squirrels, jackals, etc. etc
Furthermore, walking with children and adults through the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a delight. Along with the giant trees and millions of plants, we will also find monkeys and other animals in this immense place.