Ridi Viharaya
- silver threads for three religions -
Ridi viharaya is one place you can see many revered artifacts; of Buddhist, Hindu and even Christian. Of traditional Sinhala art forms and non traditional, unique, design concepts.
The main image house or the Maha vihara known also as the "Patha Viharaya" (lower temple) of the Ridi Viharaya, is comfortably tucked into a Large cave, with its rock roof looming skywards, reminding us of the cobra hood cave of Sigiriya. Here we see representations from the three main religions of Sri Lanka..
The walls and roof of the cave are covered with Buddhist frescoes. Many are the images of the Lord Buddha. Hindu gods too stand to attention. And even what is believed to be a statue of royalty identified as king Dutugemunu. But these Buddhist and Hindu images have always had place for each other in their respective temples. What is strange is the inclusion of some Christian themes. May be it was an accident or may it was not. But definitely it is interesting.
Inlaid on the mal-asana or flower alter built for a 9m recumbent Buddha image are these strange blue tiles identified as the Christian theme Delft tiles.
Popularly known as the Bible tiles these are believed to have been a gift from an European ambassador to King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe who in turn gifted them to the temple in the days when the Dutch ruled the maritime Provinces.
Ascribed to the 18th century Delft factory in Holland these blue and white porcelain tiles depict themes from the old testament like the creation of man, the fall of man, the great flood and its aftermath (dove of peace with the olive branch), Moses and the burning bush, the prophets of yore and some scenes from the new testament depicting the life of Christ.
An addition to this strange mix, the cave is full of other historic and revered artifacts.
An original golden Buddha image brought from Dambadiva by king Dutugemunu as a gesture of gratitude for the silver ore that is said to have been found in this vicinity which was used to raise revenue for the completion of the building of the great Ruwanveliseya of Anuradhapura, is deposited in this cave safely inside a glass case.
Under the main entrance to this cave are some interesting paintings. In particular one shows an unfinished sketch of a seated Buddha, showing the ancient measurement system that was used in the painting of an Buddha image.
The door frame of one of the doors leading into this cave is decorated exquisitely in Ivory. The "Pancha Nari Getaya" (figure of five women entwined in the shape of a knot) decorates the center of this work. In keeping with the art of delusion the intricate carving depicts from far a vase but a close look reveals the knitting of the figures of five maidens. Either side of this is the carving of two lions. This unique piece of ivory art sadly has been the subject of vandalism.
The "Uda Viharaya" (upper temple) is exclusive to some rare concepts in Sinhala and Buddhist art, traditional and non traditional. The Makara Thorana behind the main image of the seated Buddha. is considered the best among its kind. It is unique in its decoration including groups of Gods and devotees and with an image of the standing Buddha on either side. Also the two makara heads forming the usual arch are turned outwards.
Upon the pedestal of the seated Buddha image at the bottom are some unique animal paintings usually not found in temples. The "Thri Sinha Rupaya" found on the front of the pedestal depicts three seated lions but with one face. The paintings of "Sarpenda" and "Vrushba Kunjaraya" (the entwined heads of the bull and the elephant) are interesting. Also recognizable are paintings that are believed to depict the warring King Rawana.
It is also interesting to note that not a single Jataka story is depicted among the paintings in this cave. But the walls are filled with stories from the life of Buddha
A painting of the "Nawanari Kunjavaya" or nine maidens is found at the end of the cave outside the small and last chamber of this cave house. The clever arrangement of nine graceful bodies of maidens delude the onlooker from far into recognizing the figure of an elephant. Inside this small cave some ancient wooden Buddha images can be seen. The narrowing cave roof is painted with colorful motifs giving a charming fabric like effect.
At the entrance to this Uda Viharaya cave is a Hindu devalaya dedicated to the guardian of the mountain on which the Ridi Vihara is situated Kumara Bandara. At the back of the Uda viharaya is a an open cave in which is a small dogoba.
The treasures of art found at Ridi viharaya are not limited to its main cave shrines and seemingly spill into the court yards that surround the caves.
Some unique carvings can be seen along a flight of steps leading from the Uda viharaya to the court yard below. While the Korawak- gala on either side acting as low banisters show the stylized head and the trunk of an elephant, inside of which are carvings. One carving can be identified as an elephant trying to pull out a tree while a man with an arrow takes aim at him.
Some interesting guard stones and flower alters too can be seen..
Just outside of the temple court-yard is a stone pillared structure more Hindu in architecture and ground plan known as the "Waraka Welandu lena". Popular belief is that Arahat Indragupta partook of a meal of ripe jak fruit at this spot. On the skillfully chiseled stone pillars forming the porch of the building can be seen some interesting carvings of figures of people. A dancing girl and a soldier are more visible. It is believed to have been a Hindu shrine.
Outside the temple complex atop a small rocky hill passing an ancient inscription is a dagoba "Sarasum gala chaiththiya" belied to be the original site of the Ridi viharaya temple. From here we were rewarded to a vision over the valleys and into the hills well worth the extra climb.
by By Kishanie S. Fernando
Daily Mirror, July 09, 2007
Photo Album
Created November 20, 2007
Updated
June 14, 2009
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