Sigiriya – An exotic wonder
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I couldn’t wait till the school holidays arrived and finally it did! I was very excited because we were going to visit Sigiriya. Sigiriya is an exotic historical place of ours. Sigiriya was made a citadel by King Kashyapa who is believed to have fled Anuradhapura having killed his father King Dathusena over a dispute on kingship.
Sigiriya is a blend of architectural, engineering, gardening, art and ancient water management technology. The boulder gardens of Sigiriya contain nearly 30 rock shelters. It is believed that these rock shelters once formed a Buddhist monastery before King Kashyapa’s times.
The water gardens of Sigiriya still amaze the modern engineer with their perfectly constructed drainage systems and water fountains which still continue to dance in the rain.
Cobra hood cave
The highlight of Sigiriya has to be the Frescoes which depict female figures painted in vibrant colours speaking for the skill of the ancient
Sri Lankan artist. The poses and expressions of these unique frescoes have still not been figured out.
Sigiri paintings however are not confined to these frescoes, fading remnants in the Cobra Hood Cave and several more caves are still visible. Sigiriya which was abandoned during the invasions reappear in our history with the archaeological discoveries of British Archaeologist H. C. P. Bell. The research was continued with Professor Senarath Paranavithana and many more.
Sigiriya derived its name from the giant lion paws made out of brick and mortar at the entrance to the king’s main palace area. The Mirror Wall is another significant feature on which ancient visitors to Sigiriya wrote graffiti in admiration if the place.
Sigiriya continues to unearth ancient archaeological findings. Sigiriya continues to enthrall millions of visitors both local and foreign every year.
Samadhee Wijesekera (Grade 7) Ladies’ College
Moat around Sigiriya
A naturally formed arch in the boulder garden