History
Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa I (477-495 CE) of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. The king built the fortress as a royal palace and a defensive structure. Sigiriya was used as a royal palace for over 18 years until Kashyapa I was defeated in battle by his half-brother, Moggallana, in 495 CE.
After the defeat of Kashyapa I, Sigiriya was abandoned and fell into ruin. The fortress was later rediscovered by the British archaeologist John Still in the late 19th century. The archaeological excavations of Sigiriya began in the early 20th century and continue to this day.
Architecture
The Sigiriya fortress is located on a massive rock outcropping that rises 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The fortress is surrounded by a moat and ramparts that are over 14 meters high. The fortress consists of several structures, including the palace complex, gardens, fountains, and reservoirs.
The most prominent feature of Sigiriya is the massive lion-shaped structure that once stood at the entrance of the fortress. The structure was built of brick and plaster and was over 14 meters high. Unfortunately, only the paws of the lion structure remain today.
The palace complex of Sigiriya is located on the summit of the rock outcropping. The complex consists of several structures, including the audience hall, throne room, and living quarters. The palace complex is surrounded by a series of beautiful gardens, fountains, and pools that were fed by an elaborate hydraulic system.
Mythical Significance of Sigiriya
Sigiriya holds great mythical and cultural significance in Sri Lanka, especially in relation to the legend of Ravana. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana was a powerful king who ruled over the island of Lanka, which is present-day Sri Lanka. Ravana was known for his strength and knowledge of magic, and he is also considered to be the antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
According to the Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, and took her to Lanka. Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and an army of monkeys, went to Lanka to rescue Sita. They crossed over to Lanka by building a bridge across the sea, which is known as the Ram Setu or the Adam's Bridge.
In the Ramayana, it is said that Ravana had a magnificent palace on top of a mountain, which is believed to be Sigiriya. The palace was said to be built by Ravana's father, King Vishrava, and was known as the 'Golden Palace'. The palace was said to be adorned with gold and precious stones, and it was a sight to behold.
According to the legend, Ravana used his magic to build a flying machine, known as the Pushpaka Vimana, which he used to travel between Lanka and India. It is said that the landing site of the Pushpaka Vimana was in Sigiriya. The plateau on the summit of Sigiriya, which was once the site of the palace complex, is known as the 'Lanka Pabbata' or the 'Mountain of Lanka'. The plateau is said to have been the site where Ravana's palace once stood.
There are also several other mythical connections between Sigiriya and Ravana. According to some legends, Ravana's wife, Mandodari, was born in Sigiriya. The rock outcropping on which Sigiriya is built is also said to have been brought to Sri Lanka by Hanuman, the monkey god, who was a devout follower of Lord Rama. Hanuman is said to have carried the rock outcropping from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to help Lord Rama in his battle against Ravana.
Although the link between Sigiriya and Ravana is steeped in myth and legend, it has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious beliefs of Sri Lankans. The story of Ravana and Lord Rama is an integral part of the Hindu mythology and has been passed down from generation to generation. The connection between Sigiriya and Ravana adds another layer of significance to this ancient site and has contributed to its popularity among tourists and scholars alike.
The preservation of Sigiriya is of great importance, not just for its historical and cultural significance, but also for its ecological value. The rock outcropping on which Sigiriya is built is home to several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The gardens and water features around the palace complex are also important for their biodiversity. The Sri Lankan government and several international organizations have undertaken several conservation and preservation efforts to ensure that this ancient site is protected for future generations.