The Rambadagalla Temple
A History of Devotion and Passion
The Rambadagalla Temple
A History of
Devotion and Passion
Rambadagalla Monaragala Temple, also known as Rambadagalla Viharaya, is a cherished Buddhist temple nestled in the peaceful countryside of Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District. Renowned for its serene ambiance and profound spiritual significance, the temple attracts pilgrims from around the globe. Its crowning glory is the world’s tallest rock-carved seated Buddha statue, a breathtaking masterpiece that stands as a symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Buddhist culture.
The temple’s history stretches back to ancient times, serving as a sanctuary for worship and meditation for centuries. In recent years, it gained international acclaim with the creation of the monumental Buddha statue. This ambitious project was inspired by the devastating destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001, igniting a worldwide movement to safeguard Buddhist heritage and artistry.
Rambadagalla Monaragala Temple, also known as Rambadagalla Viharaya, is a cherished Buddhist temple nestled in the peaceful countryside of Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District. Renowned for its serene ambiance and profound spiritual significance, the temple attracts pilgrims from around the globe. Its crowning glory is the world’s tallest rock-carved seated Buddha statue, a breathtaking masterpiece that stands as a symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Buddhist culture.
The temple’s history stretches back to ancient times, serving as a sanctuary for worship and meditation for centuries. In recent years, it gained international acclaim with the creation of the monumental Buddha statue. This ambitious project was inspired by the devastating destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001, igniting a worldwide movement to safeguard Buddhist heritage and artistry.
who seek spiritual fulfilment and cultural connection.
who seek spiritual fulfilment and cultural connection.
The Legacy of
Rambadagalla Temple
The Legacy of
Rambadagalla Temple
In the tranquil setting of Rambadagalla Temple, an extraordinary initiative began in response to the devastating destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001. These ancient statues, cherished as universal symbols of Buddhist heritage, were destroyed in an act that deeply shocked the global community. This tragic loss sparked a worldwide call to preserve and honor Buddhist art and teachings. Rambadagalla Temple, with its serene environment and rich history, embraced this challenge, rising as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation.
In the tranquil setting of Rambadagalla Temple, an extraordinary initiative began in response to the devastating destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001. These ancient statues, cherished as universal symbols of Buddhist heritage, were destroyed in an act that deeply shocked the global community. This tragic loss sparked a worldwide call to preserve and honor Buddhist art and teachings. Rambadagalla Temple, with its serene environment and rich history, embraced this challenge, rising as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation.
Destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001
Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero, profoundly moved by the loss of the Bamiyan Buddhas, envisioned creating a lasting monument to Buddhist heritage. To realize this vision, he collaborated with philanthropist D. Eswaran, who provided essential support, and Indian master sculptor Muthiah Sthapathy, whose expertise in monumental carving brought the vision to life. Together, they undertook the creation of a 67.5-foot seated Buddha statue, carved from a single granite rock. Guided by Ven. Amaramoli Thero’s spiritual leadership and shaped by the artisans’ skill and dedication, this project transformed Rambadagalla Temple into a global beacon of peace, devotion, and cultural heritage.
Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero, profoundly moved by the loss of the Bamiyan Buddhas, envisioned creating a lasting monument to Buddhist heritage. To realize this vision, he collaborated with philanthropist D. Eswaran, who provided essential support, and Indian master sculptor Muthiah Sthapathy, whose expertise in monumental carving brought the vision to life. Together, they undertook the creation of a 67.5-foot seated Buddha statue, carved from a single granite rock. Guided by Ven. Amaramoli Thero’s spiritual leadership and shaped by the artisans’ skill and dedication, this project transformed Rambadagalla Temple into a global beacon of peace, devotion, and cultural heritage.
Behind the construction of Rambadagalla Samadhi Buddha statue
“Listen child, Buddhism is not about going against religions but spreading the peace. Even if we destroy mosques and churches, will it bring back or form any statues? What our mission should be to craft more statues in situations like this. See, there are huge rocks around, go craft for statues on these…”
Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero
“Listen child, Buddhism is not about going against religions but spreading the peace. Even if we destroy mosques and churches, will it bring back or form any statues? What our mission should be to craft more statues in situations like this. See, there are huge rocks around, go craft for statues on these…”
Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero
The World’s Tallest
Rock-Carved Samadhi Buddha Statue
The World’s Tallest
Rock-Carved
Samadhi Buddha Statue
The 67.5-foot Samadhi Buddha statue in Rambadagalla, Sri Lanka, is the tallest rock-carved Buddha statue in the world, sculpted from a single granite rock. Depicting the Buddha in the serene Dhyana Mudra pose, it symbolizes inner peace and enlightenment. Conceived by Rev. Amaramouli Thero, the statue was brought to life by renowned sculptor Muthiah Sthapathi and his team of skilled artisans. Completed in 2015, this monumental creation stands as a testament to resilience, devotion, and the unity of those who envisioned it.
This masterpiece has transformed Rambadagalla Temple into a global spiritual landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscape, the statue radiates tranquility and inspires all who visit. Its creation embodies the power of faith and collective effort, making it not just a symbol of Buddhist philosophy but also a beacon of hope and harmony for people of all faiths
The 67.5-foot Samadhi Buddha statue in Rambadagalla, Sri Lanka, is the tallest rock-carved Buddha statue in the world, sculpted from a single granite rock. Depicting the Buddha in the serene Dhyana Mudra pose, it symbolizes inner peace and enlightenment. Conceived by Rev. Amaramouli Thero, the statue was brought to life by renowned sculptor Muthiah Sthapathi and his team of skilled artisans. Completed in 2015, this monumental creation stands as a testament to resilience, devotion, and the unity of those who envisioned it.
This masterpiece has transformed Rambadagalla Temple into a global spiritual landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscape, the statue radiates tranquility and inspires all who visit. Its creation embodies the power of faith and collective effort, making it not just a symbol of Buddhist philosophy but also a beacon of hope and harmony for people of all faiths
United in Faith
United in Faith
The creation of the world’s tallest rock-carved Buddha statue at Rambadagalla Temple was made possible through the collaboration of visionary leaders,
- Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero: Led the initiative with spiritual guidance to preserve Buddhist heritage.
- D. Eswaran: Provided essential financial and logistical support.
- Muthiah Sthapathy: Renowned Indian sculptor who expertly carved the statue.
- Nandadasa Rajapaksa: Business leader who supported the project’s development.
The creation of the world’s tallest rock-carved Buddha statue at Rambadagalla Temple was made possible through the collaboration of visionary leaders,
Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero: Led the initiative with spiritual guidance to preserve Buddhist heritage.
D. Eswaran: Provided essential financial and logistical support.
Muthiah Sthapathy: Renowned Indian sculptor who expertly carved the statue.
Nandadasa Rajapaksa: Business leader who supported the project’s development.
