Early Buddhist monastery In the 5th century BC. here began to create mountain monasteries with many passages and caves, Sigiriya is an ancient temple complex, founded long before the reign of Kasapa.
there was a cave monastery on the rock before the palace began to be erected, and even after its destruction, the monks did not leave a place convenient for meditation and measured life.
The rock resembles nothing more than a sleeping lion in shape. For a long time this rock was an active volcano, but today it is extinct, so the area is absolutely safe for walking.
Before and after Kasapa's reign, there was a cave Buddhist monastery on the rock; on the flat top of the mountain are the ruins of the upper palace, on the middle terrace there are the Lion's Gate and the Mirror Wall with frescoes, on the slopes of the rock there is the lower palace, hundreds of meters from the rock are gardens, moats and Walls Another unique attraction of the Sigiriya complex is the Mirror Wall. Once its surface was polished to a shine, and while walking along it, King Kasapa could see his reflection as a "mirrored wall", polished so that it really shines like a mirror. It is believed that frescoes were located directly opposite the wall, which were reflected in it.
The very first evidence of the presence of a person in this area was found in the eastern part of the rock, in the Aligala caves.
Promotional video:
Scientists' data indicate that people appeared here about 5 thousand years ago
The appearance of the Sigiriya fortress on the top of the cliff - it was on the heights that it was customary to build a Buddhist monastery.
Speaking about the beauty and grandeur of the fortress, one cannot fail to mention its base - the Sigiriya rock, rich in colors and shapes. It is nothing more than an extinct volcano. Steep slopes rise above the vast plain, but it is most convenient, of course, to inspect the surroundings from the very top, from where a stunning view of the entire island opens up.
The local flora is unique. For example, here it is easy to find an interesting type of mimosas, which are formed from the slightest touch to them, hundreds of species of trees and many other plants, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off.
The stone gardens are located at the very foot of the cliff and are a collection of various boulders, differing in size and intricate shapes. Some of them can be climbed by special steps carved right in the boulders.
The majestic and infinitely beautiful Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, a rock located at an altitude of 370 m above sea level, is famous for an ancient structure, the ruins of which rest on its top.
According to Kasapa's plan, the structure was to become a new capital, which, thanks to its strong walls and location on a hill, would become a reliable defense against possible avengers. It was then that an amazing city appeared, with lush gardens and crystal fountains, rising above the plain, striking in its magnificence and inaccessibility.
It is impossible not to pay attention to the numerous natural formations that were of great importance. So, one of the caves was probably used in a cult, and water was collected in a split boulder nearby. Another cave contains the remains of paintings depicting Kasapa's biography on the walls, and a preserved part of the Buddha statue can be found nearby.
We should also mention the unusual gardens. They can be divided into three areas: terraces, stone and water gardens. The complex system of reservoirs located in a cascade and oriented at the ends of the world evokes sincere admiration. They fill up every rainy season, after which water begins to circulate through the canals and locks throughout the garden of the Sigiriya Fortress.
For example, one of the defense systems of the fortress, partially preserved to this day, was huge stones installed on props, which could be thrown on uninvited guests at any moment.
But the most unusual were the entrance to the fortress and the stairs leading to it: the steps twisted right between the paws of a huge lion, which opened its mouth. Now it is clear why the Sigiriya fortress received the name "Lion's Rock", although to our time the figure of the king of animals has practically not survived - only giant front legs remain. The majestic palace, to which the steps led, also disappeared - instead, tourists can see only a large terrace.
