The Dambegoda Bodhisattva is a remarkably restored 9th-century stone colossus, standing nearly 10 meters tall in the wilderness as a stunning masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist art.

Why visit Dambegoda Bodhisattva Statue

• Massive Size: The statue is 10 meters tall and stands on high ground, making it a dominating sight above the jungle canopy.
• Historical Significance: It is believed to be built by King Dappula or Aggabodhi IV and dates back to the 9th or 10th century, linking it to Sri Lanka's ancient Rajarata civilization.
• Restoration Effort: The statue was once broken into many pieces by treasure hunters but was carefully restored with help from Germany.
• Mahayanist Influence: The statue may represent the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, indicated by a miniature Buddha in its crown, reflecting Mahayana Buddhist influences.
• Intricate Design: The statue is richly adorned with detailed royal jewellery, a beautifully crafted dhoti, and features a rare hand gesture called kataka-hastha, adding to its cultural and artistic importance.