The Sigiriya Rock Fortress has a dramatic and thrilling past that is bound to captivate all who visit the site. Discover a tale of ambition, betrayal, and vengeance. When you learn about the king who had the vision and perseverance to create this magnificent palace in the sky.
Located in between the Habarana and Dambulla towns in the Matale district in Sri Lanka is, Sigiriya. The ‘Lions Rock’ previously known as Sihagiri has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is commonly referred to as Sigiriya.
Ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. The fortress’ name is echoed in the staircases that emerge from a lion’s mouth constructed in brick and plaster which offer access to the site. Sigiriya is also renowned for its 5th-century pre-Christian frescoes. Which are reminiscent of the paintings of the Ajanta Caves in India. One of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. It has also been declared by UNESCO as the 8th Wonder of the World.
The top of the rock was home to beautifully landscaped gardens and the upper palace, today the oldest surviving palace in Sri Lanka. The upper gardens employed an advanced irrigation system that utilized surface and subsurface hydraulic systems. Cisterns cut from the rock still function today.
Sri Lankan History
Sri Lankan history states that King Kashyapa designed and oversaw the construction of the fortress. Kashyapa was the firstborn son of King Dhatusena, who was the first king of the royal Moriyan dynasty. Despite being the eldest son, Kashyapa was not destined to be king because his mother was a concubine of non-royal blood. His younger brother, Moggallana, was to be king instead.
Driven by jealousy, Kashyapa overthrew the king when he got older, causing Mogallana to flee. The king was buried alive in the walls of the prison cell. Kashyapa was not welcomed by the people of Dhatusena and had to flee himself, seeking refuge at Sigiriya, where he built his palace and hid from his brother.
When Kashyapa eventually died, Sigiriya became a Buddhist monastery and remained as such until the 14th century.
Hindu Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, Kubera (also read as Kuvera), is believed to be the lord of wealth. And Kubera is also believed to be the god-king of the Yakshas. According to Hindu scripts, He could be regarded as a protector of the world and the overload of many semi-divine species. Some of the Vedic texts describe Kubera as the chief of evil spirits, where Hindu epics depict him as a god. King Kubera who was the half-brother of Ravana (Ravan) as described in the Ramayanaya.
In some myths and stories, after Ravan abducted Sita, wife of Lord Ram. He brought her in Rock forest and keep her hidden. Ram fought with him and take his wife after a massive fight. That’s why this mountain is so sacred and important for Hindu tourists.
Time passed and Sigiriya was once again slowly but surely reclaimed by nature for her own. She covered its proud Lionsgate with a motley of local flora and bushes which were frequented only by wild animals after a while.
Visiting Sigiriya Rock
The dry season, which lasts from late December to early April, is ideal for a trip to Sigiriya, with March offering the clearest skies and the slightest chance of rain. It’s open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. The ticket price is approximately USD 30, so keep that in mind.
The ticket booth for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is open daily between the hours of 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Visitors can find it on a small street just off the main gate. Purchase tickets before entering the complex, as visitors are turned back if they still need them. Payment is only in cash, and while there is an ATM next to the ticket office, don’t count on it working.