The 12m-high Aukana Buddha is thought to date from the 5th century CE. Hewn from the solid rock (it is still joined at the back to the cliff behind it) this is perhaps the single most elegant Buddha image in Sri Lanka. The Buddha is carved in the asisa mudra pose, a variation of the abhaya mudra, signifying blessing. Aukana means ‘sun eating’.

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Size: 3376px × 5175px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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