AVUKANA  STATUE

The Avukana Buddha statue stands near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. Carved during the 5th century, this magnificent stone sculpture depicts the Buddha with a hand raised in reassurance—a variation of the Abhaya mudra.

Archeological Significance

       The Avukana Buddha carving, positioned atop a lotus flower pedestal, stands at an impressive height of 46 feet. From head to toe, the statue measures 38 feet and 10 inches. The head alone reaches a height of 6 feet and 6 inches, while the foot spans a width of 6 feet and 1 inch. Crafted almost entirely in the round from a single square boulder of similar height, the statue remains remarkably well-preserved. It is delicately attached to the original rock behind it by a narrow strip at the waist. Facing directly eastward, the statue looks on towards the majestic Kalawewa Reservoir (Wijesekera,1962).

The face of the statue is oval-shaped, although the Buddha statues of this era depict round faces. The face typifies deep feeling and is serene. The ripples of the robe, though featuring the Amaravati style, show more finesse and simplicity. Although it is said that this image is in the Abhaya mudra the right hand is placed in a different position. For the Abhaya mudra, the palm of the right hand must face forward with the fingers slightly bent. This feature is seen in the Ras Vehera statue. In the Avukana statue, the palm is raised and the fingers are held straight. Thus some say it is the Ashir-mudra. 

Conclusion

This is also one of the marvelous creation  of our ancient king and ancestors. We hould appreciate those of  creations which  give us proud.