Avid sightseers will be enthralled by the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue which stands proudly atop a hill; this statue may be regarded as one of Kandy’s noteworthy sightseeing attractions.
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Features of the statue
The magnificent Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, which is part of the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, presents a striking sight and is visible from many locations as you experience the attractions in Kandy. Measuring over 25 m in height, this towering statue depicts Lord Buddha in the seated Nirvana pose and is one of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha images.
The views
If you take the opportunity to make your way to the summit of the hill where this statue is located, you could experience stunning views over the city stretching to the surrounding mountains. These views are even more alluring when the city is illuminated in the night-time. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit this statue is Earl’s Regency.
The visiting experience
When visiting this sacred site, you must dress modestly and remove footwear and any hats. During your trip, you may notice devotees making offerings to the statue and lighting oil lamps as a mark of their reverence. You could easily reach this statue after visiting attractions like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic where you can gain more insights into the nation’s rich religious heritage.
Folklore
Some interesting folklore is associated with this site as well. According to one tale, the locals believed that at one time, an evil gnome inhabited this hill; it is even said that sacrifices were made to appease this gnome. However, over time, these superstitions and fears gradually faded away and today, this site is one of the best places to visit in Kandy.
