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 Dambulla Viharaya is famous as  well preserved cave complex in Sri Lanka. Dambulla Cave Temple also known as Golden Temple of Dambulla, situated in central part of Sri Lanka. This cave temple complex was declared as World Heritage by UNESCO in year 1991. 

In the very early ages, Buddihist monks of Sri Lanka lived in caves. Buddhist monks always appreciated calmness as well simple life style. Therefore they lived in such caves with a little needs. By the time of King Devanampiyatissa, Buddhism was sent by Emperor Ashoka along with his son who later entered in to Buddha sasana and robbed as Arhath Mahinda thero. Since then Buddhism was established in Sr Lanka. As mentioned erlier monks who prcticed virtues lived in such caves in early ages. Among the other information it is said that, pre historic man would have lived in these area. The place called Ibbankattuwa which is close to Dambulla is identified as a burial site of pre historic men.

That was the way how caves came in to the Sri Lankan context. Dambulla caves dates back to 1st centuary. According some historic books these caves were used by king Walagamba for his life protection. Traditionally it is said that king Walagamba  has converted many more caves which provided shelter to him at the time he was seeking safe in to temples. Dambulla too is considered as one of such. Not only Walagamba many kings renovated and paid homage to Dambulla cave complex too. According to history Sri Nissanka Malla who had a foreign origin  too had added some Buddha statutes to this cave complex.

Dambulla temple is consisted with cave complex.  And most of paintings done in these caves belong  to the Kandyan tradition. This cave temple has five main caves. 

The first cave is Devaraja lena or Devaraja cave, In this cave there is a 14meters statue of Buddha. This statue has been painted enormous times by kings.

Second one is the cave of Great kings, this is the largest cave out of all five. There are 16standing and 40 seated Buddha statutes. Apart from that statues of king Valagamba or Wattagamini Abaya and king Nishshankamalla's  are standing in this cave. And this also known as Maharaja lene. Cave of great kings. 

The third one is Great new monastery, this too was rrenovated in Kandyan era by king Keerthi Sri Rajasingha who did lot to the development of Buddhism although he belong to Nanayakkara pedigree.

Fourth and Fifth caves, these caves are not magnificent like other three. And these caves are said to be constructed in later periods.

However this cave complex is calm as well a great place for tourists to see the proud of Sri Lanka.






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