Sigiriya : One of the cultural heritage sites in Sri Lanka.
In this, we touch briefly on history, some mythological tales, architectural wonders, and recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site accorded to Sigiriya.
History of Sigiriya
Sigiriya is intricately woven with the history of Sri Lanka. Its origins date back to the 5th century AD, during the rule of King Kashyapa, extending from 477-495 AD. This place was chosen by the king to build his fortress palace, mainly due to its strategic location and natural defenses it had. The legend says, Kashyapa, after killing his father King Dhatusena, usupurped the throne. Fearing the revenge by his half brother Moggallana, Kashyapa fled to Sigiriya and made the rock into an impregnable fortress.
This rock fortress became the castle for the king and marked his rule. Its location had been decided strategically, to prevent attack-by centering it in a country, with forests and farmable lands all around it. The fortress stood 200 meters above ground level and was almost impossible to get to except by some of the cleverly constructed paths. However, things went rather sadly for events when Moggallana finally defeated Kashyapa in the field. Following the king's death, Sigiriya was turned into a Buddhist monastery and was functioning till 14th century.
Sigiriya is today more than a monument-it stands as part and parcel of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage, a pointer to its ancient glory and achievement that its civilization attained.
Mythological tales surrounding Sigiriya
Like most ancient monuments, Sigiriya is replete with myth and folktales. One of the myths associates Sigiriya with the great Indian epic, Ramayana. According to this, Sigiriya was once Alakamanda-the city of gods, the abode of King Kubera, the god of wealth-before Ravana captured it. Although this fable is not authenticated, it added a mysterious aura over the Sigiriya that attracted all those interested in tales of the ancient world.
Another eternal myth is that Sigiriya was the place of some
ancient heaven city built by aliens. This hypothesis, favored by the audiences
of alternative archaeology, is based on the geometric precision with which the
structures of Sigiriya are oriented to each other and the advanced engineering
that is behind the construction of this complex. While these stories remain
speculative, they add to the allure and mystery that surrounds this rock.
Sigiriya as an Architectural Marvel
What makes Sigiriya simply incredible, coming from the time when it was built, is its plain architectural brilliance. In its height, Sigiriya sported a broad, majestic palace complex featuring gardens, pools, fountains, and remarkable sculptures.
1. The Mirror Wall
One of the best-known attractions at Sigiriya, the Mirror
Wall most definitely is one of the most thronged. This beautifully polished
wall of brick and plaster was said to be reflective enough for the king to see
his reflection as he walked along beside it. The Mirror Wall at Sigiriya has
taken in poems and messages from the many visitors it has received since the
8th century. These writings, being the Sigiri graffiti, constitute a very
important cultural artifact that brings to us the thoughts and sentiments of
people from the past.
2. The Frescoes of Sigiriya
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Another main component that forms part of interest and fascination at Sigiriya is frescoes that show tastefully elongated, elaborately adorned female figures, believed by some to be either heavenly maidens or attendants of the king. These frescoes have been painted on the western face of the rock. These frescoes stand out in terms of their bright coloration and exquisite detail. A few of these original frescoes are well-preserved while what does exist is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. This sophistication of the artists comes through in these paintings also as the frescoes are a depiction of the people's aesthetic, which was dominant at that time.
3. The Lion's Gate
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| Lion's Gate |
It is the eastern arm of the complex. It faces the rising
sun and consists of four large columns. The pillars at the Lion's Gate have
inscriptions.
It was known as Sigiriya, the most popular name for it
because of the Lion's Gate since the main entrance bore that name. To gain
access into the fortress, one had to pass through a gigantic gateway chiseled
in the form of a crouching lion. Now only the paws are left, but as per
descriptions, it was complete, with a full lion figure with its head above the
entrance. This gate is the incarnation of the strength and majesty of this
fort; it gives expression to the period of Kashyapa.
4. Water Gardens and Terraces
Sigiriya gardens are considered among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The layout has a highly contrived system of symmetrical water gardens consisting of fountains, pools, and ponds that were intended for air cooling and creating tranquility. The fountains, which still work during the rainy season, evidence deep knowledge in hydraulic engineering by the ancient builders. Terraced gardens going up the rock afford panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and provide a dramatic approach to the royal palace at the summit.
5. The Royal Palace
Right at the top of Sigiriya are to be found the ruins of the royal palace that once used to be the residence of the king. The complex of the palace was designed with fortifications, moats, and ramparts, making it highly defensible. Although much of the palace has been lost to time, its foundations and the ruins of structures give an idea of what must have once been magnificent. From the summit, some of the most spectacular views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside can be seen, making it well worth the hike to the top.
Sigiriya as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its importance as a major cultural and historical monument. Besides, Sigiriya is accredited as a site of outstanding universal value not only for the universal significance of the architectural and engineering marvel but also for the contribution it gives to the cultural heritage of humanity.
UNESCO further explains that Sigiriya represents one of the best-preserved examples of urban planning from the first millennium and the integration of natural and man-made components into a harmonious balance. In fact, more emphasis on the cultural importance of this place as a window into the past, incomparable in Sri Lanka, is given by Sigiri graffiti, frescoes, and remains of a royal palace.
For this reason, the conservation of Sigiriya is very
important as it is a constant symbol of meaning concerned with the identity of
Sri Lanka. For this reason, efforts are always made to preserve the site from
wear and tear both naturally and by tourism so that future generations may
benefit from its beauty and historical worth.
Sigiriya Visitors
HOW TO VISIT SRI LANKA
A visit to Sigiriya is a journey never to be forgotten through times of kings, palaces, and myth. The climb up the rock is very strenuous but rewarding. Pressing on their way to the top, visitors have very unique views, beautiful sights of water gardens, and historical and artistic wonders of the fortress.
The best time to visit Sigiriya is in the early morning when
the day is fresher and cooler, and crowding is less. The ascend would take
about 1-2 hours, based on individual progress, with stops at several places to
rest and observe. Also, don't forget to take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a
hat since the climb could be quite exposed to the sun. A visit to the Sigiriya
Museum, which is located near the entrance, is also worth undertaking before or
after one has made the climb, for the collection of information it provides on
its history, architecture, and importance.
Conclusion
From its salacious history and legends to the wonder of the architecture, Sigiriya is little more than an ancient fortress that speaks volumes about Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and testifies eloquently to its people's ingenuity. Be it its historical value, artistic appeal, or the panoramic views from the summit, a visit to Sigiriya can never be shunned.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya allows one to
relive the past-yet brings one back into the present to remind them of the
necessity of preservation for the benefit of our cultural heritage so that
future generations may enjoy.
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