Samadhi Buddha Statue
4th-century seated meditation Buddha carved from dolomite marble, widely considered one of the finest ancient sculptures in Sri Lanka.
Duration
30-45 minutes
Entry Fee
$25 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
moderate
About 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.
Highlights
- 4th-century dolomite marble meditation Buddha
- Dhyana (deep meditation) mudra pose
- Discovered buried in 1886 by British archaeologists
- UNESCO World Heritage Site precinct
- Reportedly used by Nehru as a source of calm during imprisonment
Practical Tips
Visit between 6am and 8am when low sunlight illuminates the face directly.
The statue is in an open-air setting with no shade, so bring water in the midday heat.
Covered by the combined Anuradhapura archaeological ticket.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: Early morning (6am–8am) year-round for best light and cooler temperatures.
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- moderate
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
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Abhayagiri Dagoba
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Jetavanaramaya Stupa
3rd-century stupa that once stood 122m tall, making it the world's third tallest structure when built by King Mahasena around 275 AD.
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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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