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Friday, November 6, 2009
Sigiriya The Palace & Fortress in The Sky
Where : Matale District, Sri Lanka Place : Sigiriya Fortress When : 27 Oct '09  Sigiriya has got my vote for the best place I ever visited in Sri Lanka. Everyone should pay a visit and climb!
Sigiriya holds a story of its own. An interesting one...
A massive rock fortress built in the 5th century A.D. is an enduring tribute to one man's vision. Its reminds us of ancient royal hide - away a citadel steeped in history, replete with legend, betrayal and love. Datusena was captured and later put to death in a most revolting manner. Kasyapa though King was not at ease. Mugalan his brother has a legitimate claim to the throne. Mugalan who fled to India might come back with an Indian army. Haunted by these fears Kasyapa abandoned Anuradhapura, built for himself a formidable fortress on the rock of Sigiriya. Magul Maduwa
Was erected by spliting a rock in two and placing one split half upwards. On it was constructed the Magul Laduwa. There still remains a seat in the Magul Maduwa. The other split half was set a side and on it was constructed a small pond. Between the two split halves is a narrow path. On either side are small caves decorated with beautiful paintings. Route to Sirigiya and the Mirror wall Some sections of the route which were used during the ancient period to climb the rock cannot be used today, as certain section of the roadway are ruined.
These section have been renovated installing iron railing and small bridges and as such the climb is not a difficult one. All the small mountain peaks on the step rock and the space have been used and according to a magnificent ground plan the constructional work has been completed. On the western and northern sides of the steep rock face, runs a gallery or pathway which provides access to seemingly inaccessible summit, shielding this pathway is plaster wall, so highly polished that even today after fifteen centuries of exposure to sun, wind and rain, one can see one's reflection in it, Hence the name "Mirror Wall". On the polished surface are the Sirigiya Graffiti, recorded by processions of visitors to the rock in this path, after the death of King Kasyapa.  The whole stretch used to be glossy and one could owns reflection. There it got its name "Mirror Wall". This is one of the ancient graffiti found on the wall. Others are simply work of vandalism of mischief visitors. Sirigiya Paintings Above the Mirror Wall is well sheltered pocket or cave. This could be approached by a spiral stairways and the famous frescoes can be seen. Not more than eight could enter the cave at once as the pocket or cave is small. Epigraphical evidence and also one of the Sirigiya Stanzas refer to the existence of 500 such portraits, but only 21 remains today.  The spiral stairway leads to the frescoes  From bottom till top of the rock, its filled with these artistic painting on the walls. However, only little were left. People visiting Sirigiya could understand that the architecture, painting and layout of the city, underground and surface drainage systems have reached a high standard during such an early period as the 6th century A.D. The wall abutting the most encircling the fortress is one of the most arresting features. It is clear that these frescoes represent the highest achievement in painting in ancient Sri Lanka. Main Courtyard After passing the "Mirror Wall" on climbing the left side are stone traps made during that period. These traps are built on a number of small stones and on these are placed a large stone. The traps are made to ward off any invasion by the enemies. The stone can be hurled down to destroy the enemies.
At the end of the "Mirror Wall" is a large courtyard. Above the courtyard are a number of hornets nests. To ward off any danger coming from the hornets, when they get stirred, there are small caves covered with nest to protect the people but it is not sufficient for a large number of people. The courtyard is 108 feet in length and 216 ft, in breadth. The entrance is decorated with front paws. There still remains the front paws and some section of the stairways.
The Sirigi rock itself is similar to a lion sprawling on the ground. The name Sinhagiri or Sigiri is derived from it. From the lion's paw onwards, it is a difficult climb, although railings are installed. The King's Palace The Summit of the rock is nearly three acres in extent. This was entirely for building of the palace. There are remains of the foundation of the palace and a section of the buildings.  There is also a pond filled with water and close to the pond is a seat. There is no doubt that the pond is for the bathing purpose and adjoining it is the changing room Top of the fortress.... Its breath taking  Can you believe that at the top of the hill there's monks living in it??? They were once the residence of the fortress   What I observed... any point of the time I turned to see the standing Buddha. The Buddha is always has its face smiling at us. Word of advise: Do NOT entertain the locals who offered to help you during your climbs. They could be setting their price for help that we don't even need. (Trust me, its COSTLY.)  These steps are so narrow. SCARY....!! Labels: hiking, historical, overseas, rambling, sri lanka
++ quoth nessie at 9:00 PM
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