Samadhi Buddha Statue Archives

The stylistic evolution of Buddhist sculptures Buddhist Sculpture of Sri Lanka – by Ulrich Von Shroeder. Reviewed by Ismeth Raheem Source:Sundaytimes The seated Samadhi Buddha statue at Gal Viharaya, Polonnaruwa ‘Buddha Sculptures of Sri Lanka’, Ulrich von Schroeder’s magnum opus is in many ways a beguilingly beautiful study with a wealth of sculptural forms representing the Buddha and the legends connected with him and describing the special details connected with his life and times. Often surprisingly the author describes the deep-seated relationship with Buddhist art. First published in 1990, its 752 pages are closely packed with 1589 illustrations and text. Forty copies of this important volume, now valued on Amazon at US$500, have been generously gifted by the author to be distributed to the various institutions, museums and universities in Sri Lanka. Some copies have already been handed over to the Colombo University, the Department of National Archives and other institutions. The ...

Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya – location of pre-historic frescoes – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Surrounded by huge boulders and thick forest, a prominent Buddhist sacred place situated approximately 40 kilometers north-west of Anuradhapura, peace and serenity prevail in Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya (Viharaya meaning temple in Sinhala). Constructed in the 3rd century BC and utilized by *King Devanampiyatissa as a one-day shelter for *Arhath Theri Sangamitta on her way to Anuradhapura, the Temple has developed from a small temple to a large monastery by the end of the *Anuradhapura Period. The easiest access from Anuradhapura is to travel along Mahavilachchiya road. The Temple and the surrounding area are full of ruins including two stone statues and several stone ponds. There is also an archaeological museum at Thanthirimale. Initially, known as “Upastissa Gama” as the area was first occupied and developed by Upatissa, a minister of King Vijaya (c.543-c.505 BCE) who chose the location ...