Aukana Buddha

SRI LANKA, North Central Province, Anuradhapura

Located in Anuradhapura, this 12 m high Aukana Buddha is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. There is uncertainty over the age of this statue, with estimates for the date of its creation ranging from the rule of Dhatusena (reigned 459–477) to around the 9th century. Because of the reverence in which it is held, a brick building was constructed around the figure for its protection.
The Buddha stands on a shallow, semicircular pedestal. His face is well fleshed, with downcast eyes. A flame ornament is located above the Buddha’s usnisa. The right hand is raised in a variant of the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra in which the right palm is turned to face the left hand, which is held up to the shoulder. The monastic robe is folded over the left arm, leaving the right shoulder bare. Evenly spaced, elegant curving lines are used to portray the folds in the robe.