1. Sri Lanka/
  2. Kurunegala/
  3. Ridee Viharaya/

Maha Viharaya (The Main Shrine)

Mahā Vihāraya (the main shrine) or Pahala Vihāraya (the lower shrine) found in the premises of Rideevihāra is situated under a huge cave rock. The Mahā Vihāraya itself is a vast echoing cavern filled with huge, solemn figures of the Buddha looming out of the dark. At its, Centre stands a great gilded statue of the Buddha. The Buddha’s right hand is held sideways in the Bhūmisparṡa mudrā, the gesture of touching the earth which the Buddha made as he overcame the temptations of the Daughters of Māra. Legend has it that it was here on this spot that the silver for the Ruwanveliseya was found. On one side of the cave lies a great reclining Buddha, which stretches almost its entire length and painted on the walls are 1000 images of the Buddha statue in meditation, in a simple austere background which only enhances the solemnity of a cave dedicated to the worship of the Buddha.

The most spectacular creation is the dragon arch that is found above the main entrance to the shrine. It is proo...
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