Dambulla Cave Temple

WOW. 

That's the first thing that came out of my mouth on seeing the huge, imposing. statue of Lord Buddha at the Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

The Golden (Dambulla Cave) Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

 It's reportedly been so for around 22 centuries!

This plaque gives background information on the Temple.

I  thought the flags above were Sri Lankan flags, as you see them  everywhere....inside/outside public buildings and even on the buses.

 However I was informed that they are Buddhist flags..

Therefore, I don't think I have seen the Sri Lankan flag flying anywhere since I got here! For I even passed a government ministry and looked for the country's flag, but no sign of it. Just the  Buddhist flag everywhere! 

Buddhism is complex. Some people say it's a religion, others say it's a way of life. 

I agree with the latter explanation and have always been drawn to it because it preaches peace and internal happiness.

My favorite aspect of their philosophy is " do no harm".

While Lord Buddha did not insist that adherents become vegetarians, I hate the idea of spilling the blood of animals to fill our bellies. But since mi bruk bad in this life, will have to wait until I am reincarnated to stop doing that.

Then oh then can poor pigs be saved from me!

Depiction of monks on the pilgrimage

Adherents from all over the world visit to show devotion to Lord Buddha.

Here, I pay homage to Buddha .

Fruits are left outside below the statue to feed monkeys, birds and other creatures in the vicinity.

Inside the museum at the Dambulla complex, there is so much to learn.

Posing with the dancers. You have to wear a white top and remove your shoes to enter Buddhist temples here. (It's different in Thailand. You can't enter in shorts but no white top required.)

The complex is so awesome from every angle!

Description of how paper was made from talipot palm, in ancient times. 

Replicas of typical Buddhist parades showing the various hierarchies of adherents. 

In the background is a replica of male dancers and drummers in the temple.

This is supposed to be a replica of Lord Buddha's foot.

 The Princess in the plaque above, is supposed to have smuggled Lord Buddha's tooth in her hair from Kalinga, India, to Sri Lanka, hence she is held in high regard among Sri Lankan Buddhists.

This complex in Dambulla is a fascinating place to visit. 

Ganga (r) a devout Buddhist, gave me the necklace I am wearing in pic. Her mom is on the left.. 

Buddhists are extremely kind and generous people, as exemplified by my host in Sri Lanka, Professor Damith.

🙏.