Friday, September 30, 2011

Statue of Ravana, Bambaragalle, Sri Lanka.

 Ravana was a mythical king of Sri Lanka whose reign goes back to the mists of antiquity. He was vilified in the epic 'Ramayana' written in India. A statue commemorating Ravana showing his ten heads was installed recently on a high point on the rock at Bambaragalle. There are some 'manthras' inscribed in a strange script  at the base of this statue. This site overlooks a lovely view of the valley below. I took these photographs on a visit to the site.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Rideevihare, Sri Lanka.

 Jak fruits on a tree and a stone shelter for monks doing meditation (old days). The small sticks kept to support the stone are symbolic offerings of devotees.

 Stairway cut into a large rock giving access to a 'Chaithya' on top. A rain water collector made of cement and wire-mesh - a recent design.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Artifacts at Rideevihara, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.


 Moonstone and lamp holder made of stone.

A stone slab to hold lighted lamps and flowers. A urinal to be used squatting down and a stone pestle.
Rideevihare has its origins in the 2nd Century BC.