Sigiriya - Image Cave
This cave in the Sigiriya Garden had been used as a dwelling for the Sangha during the first monastic phase. It was converted into an Image House during the 2nd monastic phase after king Kashyapa. There is evidence of a second drip-ledge beyond the original drip-ledge, and of paintings drawn on the plastered interior rock face. The inscription here belongs to the 3 - 1 centuries B.C. It says that "Abhijjhiya", son of chieftain "Tiri" donated this cave.
The limestone statue of the Buddha in the cave with its head missing belongs, on iconographic features, to the 7 - 8 centuries A.D. There is evidence that plaster was applied inside the stone cave and paintings were drawn on it. Several layers of plaster with such paintings can be seen in several caves.
The limestone statue of the Buddha in the cave with its head missing belongs, on iconographic features, to the 7 - 8 centuries A.D. There is evidence that plaster was applied inside the stone cave and paintings were drawn on it. Several layers of plaster with such paintings can be seen in several caves.