North Central Province · Sri Lanka
Aukana Buddha Statue
Religious SitesCultural HeritageArchaeologyBuddhist PilgrimageSunrise viewpoint
5th-century standing Buddha carved from a single granite rock face, standing 12m tall, near Kekirawa between Anuradhapura and Dambulla.
Duration
1 hour
Entry Fee
$5 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
budget
About Aukana Buddha Statue
The Aukana Buddha is a 12-metre standing figure carved from a single granite outcrop in the 5th century, attributed to King Dhatusena, the same king who built the Kala Wewa reservoir nearby. The statue depicts the Buddha in the Asirvada (blessing) mudra with the right hand raised, and is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan rock sculpture. The name 'Aukana' means 'sun eating' in Sinhalese, referring to the way the rising sun's rays illuminate the statue's face at dawn. A small drip ledge was carved above the head to prevent rainwater from streaking the face, a detail that illustrates the precision of the craftsmen. The statue remains attached to the base rock and stands within a modern protective enclosure with a small shrine at its feet. To see the dawn lighting effect, arrive by 6am.
Highlights
- 12m standing Buddha carved from a single granite rock, 5th century
- Attributed to King Dhatusena (builder of Kala Wewa reservoir)
- Asirvada (blessing) mudra posture
- Name means 'sun eating', referencing the dawn illumination effect
- Drip ledge carved above head to protect the face from rain
Practical Tips
Arrive by 6am on a clear morning to see sunlight illuminate the face, the effect that gave the statue its name.
Located about 56km from Anuradhapura and 36km from Dambulla; easily combined with either as a day trip.
Entry fee is modest and separate from the Anuradhapura combined ticket; confirm current rates at the gate.
Dress in white or cover shoulders and legs as this is an active place of worship.
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Best Time to Visit
Jan
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Best months Shoulder Avoid
Best time of day: Dawn (6am) on a clear day for the sun-face illumination effect; dry season January to April.
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Usually quiet
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- budget
- Photography
- ★★★★★
☀ Sunrise viewpoint
Plan Your Visit
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Tissa Wewa
Ancient reservoir built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC, now a wildlife haven where elephants come to drink at dusk.
Explore →Mihintale
Sacred mountain where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 247 BC by Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, reached by climbing 1,840 granite steps.
Explore →
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
2nd-century BC stupa built by King Dutugemunu, standing 103m tall and enshrining relics of the Buddha in Anuradhapura.
Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
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