Samadhi Statue of Galamuna, Medirigiriya (මැදිරිගිරිය ගල්අමුන සමාධි පිලිමය)

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There are several well-known seated Buddha Statues such as Anuradhapura Smadhi Statues at Mahamevuna Uyana, Toluvila Statue (now at the National Museum) and. But there are more unknown statues of equal artistic value at Pankuliya, Paluvilandawa Tank at Weeransole (now at Wilpatthu National Park Ticketing Office) and at Divulwewa. But another unknown granite Samadhi Statue lies in the Gal Amuna area in Medirigirya. A photo of this statue appeared in the book “The Buddha Image and Ceylon” by D.T. Devendra published in 1957.

This statue now lies at Sri Vivekarama Raja Maha Viharaya ( Sri Wiwekaaramaya) in the area known as Bisobandara in Medirigiriya. It is believed that this was a monastery built by Princess Bisobandara, sister of King Mahasen (276-303) who is credited with building the Minneriya, Kaudulla and Padaviya reservoirs. Princess Bisobandara had been outcasted to this area due to a love affair with a common man. Legend even credits the building of the massive Kaudulla Reservoir to Princess Bisobandara although the Mahavamsa gives the credit to his brother, King Mahasen.

According to a caretaker of the temple, this statue was buried underground and when the road from the Medirigiriya town was being built, an excavator hit something hard and was unable to proceed. When the reason was investigated, they found the buried statue lying on the route the road was being built. Then, it has been moved to a side (where it is today).  I was also told that the statue was stolen by a group of treasure hunters in recent years and recovered again.

According to a notice board by the Archaeological Department, a moonstone, a guardstone and a few other artifacts belonging to the early Anuradhapura period have been discovered. Behind the statue lies a set of pillar stumps which is believed to be a Tampita Viharaya belonging to Kandyan period.

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Map of Medirigiriya Galamuna Samadhi Statue

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Travel Directions to Medirigiriya Galamuna Samadhi Statue

Route from Polonnaruwa to Medirigiriya Galamuna Samadhi Statue
Distance :  29 km
Travel time : 50 mins
Driving directions : see on google map

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