Buduruwagala Rock Carvings

SRI LANKA, Uva, Wellawaya

Carved into a rock near Wellawaya, these rock carvings of seven standing images date to the late Anuradhapura Kingdom (circa 4th century BCE–10th century CE).The central Buddha is flanked by two groups of three figures. Scholars have been able to identify two figures in the group on the left: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in the center and Tara on the right.
The 15.5 m high Buddha is the tallest standing stone Buddha in Sri Lanka. The Buddha, who stands on a pedestal with bare feet, has a high usnisa and a short, thick neck. One of his hands rests at the side, while the other is held in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra.
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva wears a tall headdress containing a Buddha image, a long lower garment, and a sash around the waist. There is a nimbus carved behind the figure’s head. Avalokitesvara’s face bears a solemn expression with deep eyes and a prominent nose. Both hands are held up to form a mudra on either side of the chest. The Bodhisattva has broad shoulders, a slim waist, and bare feet. These rock carvings were once painted but the original colors have subsequently peeled off; Avalokitesvara has been repainted in white. This depiction of a Bodhisattva is rare in Sri Lanka, where Sakyamuni Buddha is the main image featured in most sculptural works.