The name Buduruwagala is derived from the words for Buddha (Budu), images (ruva) and stone (gala), a literal meaning of what the site holds : images of Lord Buddha depicted on rock.

The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century.

Located in Wellawaya in the Moneragala district, Buduruwagala holds the largest standing Buddha statue in the island which measures 51 feet (16 m) from head to toe.

Traces of paint suggest that the statues were once brightly painted.

The central of the three figures to the Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.

The site, which was concealed by lush jungle, was rediscovered by R.L. Bohier who served in the Survey Department of Sri Lanka. The discovery was made in 1924-1925.

Pics : Deva Jayawardhane