Samadhi Buddha Statue

The Samadhi Buddha is a 4th-century seated stone figure carved from local dolomite marble and depicting the Buddha in the dhyana (deep meditation) mudra. It stands about 1.5 metres tall and is renowned for the serene expression on its face, which former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reportedly kept a photograph of during his imprisonment by the British. The statue was discovered buried underground in 1886 and is displayed in the open air within the Mahamevnawa Gardens, surrounded by ancient ruins. The gentle expression and fine detail of the drapery make it the most photographed sculpture in Anuradhapura. Visit in the early morning when the light falls directly on the face.