Avukana Buddha statue

 statue, cultural heritage / national heritage, buddhist temple

2G67+84R, Kalawewa-Avukana Road
Avukana, Sri Lanka

Located in: Aukana Rajamaha Viharaya

also spelled AWKANA, AUKANA, AWUKANA
The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), has been carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction in the country.