Sigiriya Sri Lanka

Tourist Information, History, Places, Attractions, Hotels, Tours

Historic Context [SIGIRIYA]

At the time the story of Sigiriya was unfolding in 477 AD, Sri Lanka had one of the most advanced and prosperous civilizations in Asia. It sat at the crossroads between Asia and West. Ships of many nations called into it ports and trade with far off lands such as Egypt, Roman and China prospered.
A number of key events took place in other parts of the world which put historic context to our story.

At about this time the Vandals sacked Rome and Europe began its slow inexorable decline into the Dark Ages. The Gupta Empire controlled most of northern India and the magnificent art works at the Ajanta Caves commenced. These in turn had a significant influence on paintings in at Sigiriya. It was also the time that an erotic compendium known as the Kama Sutra was first complied. In China, Buddhism was taking root; and in Mexico, the city of Chichén Itzá was being founded. Most of the rest of the world lay in cultural slumber.

                          Historic Context

 

Having decided to move his capital, King Kasyapa had a grand vision. He would build his city to emulate Alakamanda. In Buddhist mythology Alakamanda was the beautiful and prosperous city of the gods. It was said to exist in a faraway place at a great elevation. Its ruler was Kuvera, the god of wealth and plenty.

It is from this legend that Kasyapa gained his inspiration. He would harness the vast wealth and resources of his kingdom to recreate Alakamanda on earth. It is for this reason that Kasyapa choose a location deep in the inhospitable forests of Sri Lanka. The only significant feature of the area was a menacing black rock which rose majestically 200 meters into the air. He, Kasyapa, would transform the rock to appear as though it were a cloud. On its summit he would build a magnificent palace and rule like a god-king.

                                             

 

THINGS TO DO  IN SIGIRIYA

    * Climbing Sigiriya    

    * Elephant Ride

    *  Shopping

    * Elephant Gathering

 

 CONTACT DETAILS FOR VISIT

*Email- kctwiman@gmail.com

*Mobile no- +94772253101

*Address- Madagamuwa,

                Narammala, 

             Sri Lanka.