The Once and Future Buddha

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The Once and Future Buddha:

Our new friend Chathu decided to take us to the standing Buddhas in the forest of Maligawila, a short ride from the township of Monaragala where we were staying. She said we'd leave at 3:30, which was a good idea because the day was still very hot even then.

Many pilgrims, some quite elderly, were coming and going on the forest road, and there were large black monkeys scampering about and jumping and swinging through the trees.

When we got to the first statue Chathu explained that it was the 28th Buddha, the most recent one to live on earth. We squinted at the immense figure in the direction of the sinking sun, and then--removing our shoes of course-- we walked all around the base of it, marvelling at the size even of its feet. The statue had fallen and broken sometime in the past but was repaired and re-erected during her father's lifetime.

Next Chathu took us down another dirt road to the ancient palace where a famous king had lived. We think she said in the 7th century. The palace outline was still intact, with walls made of massive blocks, some of which at least were quartz, and topped with bricks. Inside the palace area, nature had taken over with trees and creatures, but the scale of the palace was still clear.

Our third stop was down another forest path and up some flights of steps in an area inhabited by brown monkeys, to see the statue of the future Buddha. When this Buddha will arrive, no one knows, but the sculptor carved a necklace on him which some people interpret to mean that he will come from a wealthy family.

Our stay in Monaragala was lots of fun, and we were surprised to be told that foreigners hardly ever went there. It's certainly off the main tourist route, neither surf beach nor mountains/waterfalls, but it's a lovely agricultural area with smiling people.

Actually, the exceptionally friendly people are the best part of Sri Lanka.

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Photos

28th Buddha
Little did I know that Siddhartha was the latest in a long line of Buddhas.

The tallest standing Buddha in Sri Lanka
Carved from a single large limestone rock, this is considered to be the tallest ancient free-standing Buddha image in Sri Lanka.

Past Buddha's feet
To give you a sense of the size of this Buddha...

28th Buddha
Some repairs were necessary to parts of the fallen Buddha, including the right hand, before it could be re-erected.

Ancient Buddha
This statue is believed to have been built in the 7th century.

Support structure at back for reassembled Buddha
When this statue was discovered, it had fallen and broken into may pieces. It was carefully reconstructed and re-erected.

King's castle perimeter
An ancient king had a huge castle in the forest. These remaining walls outline the exterior dimensions. It is believed by some that this king had the Buddha built.

Blocks of quartz were used to build the palace
The elevated section behind these people is believed to be where the king gave audience to his visitors. It is thought they walked in to him along the elevated walkway on the left.

The Site for the statue of the Buddha to come
These steps lead up to the statue of the 29th Buddha, the next one to come.

Brown monkey Mum and Bub
She wasn't too sure about us--looks around for a getaway.

Monkey Mum and others
Lots of brown monkeys lived with the future Buddha, whereas it was black monkeys over near the 28th Buddha.

Future Buddha, #29
Because this Buddha wears a necklace, people say that the next Buddha will come from a wealthy family.

Fruits at market
The candlepin bowlingball sized fruits at the back are a kind of small sweet watermelon, which we ate as a refreshment after walking through the forest of the Buddhas.

Markets at end of day
This emptying market had chairs for us as we ate our watermelon in the gathering dusk.

Monaragala: view from our deck
Our accommodation in Monaragala was great and we had a lovely view of the mountains we'd left behind.

Monaragala's Sunday market
It was time to leave Monaragala, but we squeezed in a trip to the markets that morning. We walked there (only mad dogs and Englishmen...) but we got a tuktuk back.

Quantities of loose spices
Colourful and plentiful. Food is not scarce in this remote agricultural area which, incidentally, was never conquered by the British, Portuguese or Dutch.

Comments

[HZ]

amazing
very nice pictures! I feel like going to Sri Lanka

[Charity]

Greetings
Great photos, what an interesting trip you are having