declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1982, Sigiriya continues to be an enigma for archaeology. Research, studies and speculation continue around the ancient place “built by the gods”.
Made on a gigantic megalithic rock of 200 meters in the surrounding terrain, Sigiriya continues to be shrouded in enigma, to the point that the scientific community continues to investigate it. However, an ancient legend may reveal its true purpose.
Sigiriya Fortress
Experts believe he was inhabited since prehistoric times. Evidence found in rock shelter east of town revealed signs of occupation from 5,000 years agoduring mesolithic period.
Traces of occupation were also found in the various surrounding shelters and caves, in particular by Buddhist monks and ascetics from the 3rd century BC C.
The staircase that climbs to the top of this sacred place begins between the claws of a lion.
The traditional story goes that Sigiriya’s fame grew exponentially in the 5th centurywhen the king Kashyapmade it a palace, a fortress and a leisure garden.
Kashyapa came to power after planning the murder of his father, Dhatusenausurping the throne that belonged to his brother, Moggallana.
Fearing that his father will take revenge one day, he decides to build a fortified palace on the rock of Sigiriya, which was extremely famous. But even so, the king was defeated in battle at this very spot in the year 495. The defeat drove him to suicide, and after his death Moggallana returned the site to the Buddhist monks, turning the fortress into a monastery until the 14th century.
Currently it is known to be one of the examples the best preserved old town planning. Sigiriya shows much more advanced technique and technology than previously believed. it was possible at the time. In the layout of the city, one observes symmetrical and asymmetrical forms which intertwine intentionally to create artificial geometric shapes which join those that are naturally formed by the landscape itself.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
To the west of the rock is a park, also built on a symmetrical plan; has water retention structures, including complex hydraulic systems surface and subsurface. In fact, some they continue to operate today.
To the south there is also an artificial reservoir which has been heavily used since the former capital of the dry zone of Sri Lanka. 5 entrance doors have been installed; the more elaborate west gate is thought to be It was reserved for royalty.
built by the gods
Sigiriya is also known as “Lion Rock” as the name of the monument refers to the way visitors climbed to the top: through the open jaws and throat, “giriya”, of a lion, “sinha”.
Sigiriya surprises with its size and unique construction.
The surrounding caves have intricate paintings, where scenes of hundreds of women stand out, the meaning of which has not been revealed by science. These murals are found on surfaces around the 140 meters wide and 40 meters highbecoming one of the largest on the planet.
Experts say that in his time there were at least 500 women representedsome of which come down from the clouds and show a celestial appearance.
In fact, local legend mentions that the city was created by the gods who came from the sky, building it similar to “The Palace in the Sky”, the mythical abode of Kubera, the god of wealth. For this reason, some scholars believe that the murals are a representation of goddessesalthough archaeologists insist that they are the Kashyapa Courtesans.
You might also be interested in: Ancient “astronomical code” found in a petroglyph in a mountain cave.
The riddles about Sigiriya are still valid and, in fact, there is no no conclusions Despite years of study, why did he build such an intricate city on top of such a colossal rock? Some believe that for protection, but questions remain unanswered; How did they move the stones and the rest of the building materials through a steep 200 meters almost vertical? The task is currently extremely complicated, and impossible hundreds of years ago.
Despite what orthodox archeology says, ancient mythology suggests that constructions built on top of great mountains, like Sigiriya, were meant to “reach heaven”. Therefore, it is possible that the mythical city is a portal between our earth plane and the world of the gods.
References:
- The ancient rock city of Sigiriya.
- Sigiriya: the lion rock or the most famous monument of Sri Lanka.
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