Sigiriya Fortress

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Sigiriya Fortress, located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka, is an ancient rock fortress that stands proudly at a height of about 180 meters (590 feet). Its name, Sinhagiri, means “Lion Rock” in Sinhala, a reference to the enormous lion-shaped gateway that once greeted visitors to the royal palace at its peak. Today, Sigiriya is not only a stunning natural wonder but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.

The Origins of Sigiriya Fortress

Sigiriya’s story dates back to the 5th century AD, when it became the capital of King Kashyapa I (reigned AD 477–495). The rock was chosen by the king as the site for his new royal palace, primarily because of its strategic and defensive advantages. The area, initially a dense forest, was transformed into a palace and fortress, with the sides of the rock decorated with beautiful frescoes.

King Kashyapa’s decision to build his palace on top of the rock was influenced by his fear of an invasion from his brother, Mogallana. According to ancient Sri Lankan chronicles like The Mahavamsa, Kashyapa had murdered his father, King Dhatusena, to seize the throne. Afterward, his brother fled to India to escape being killed by Kashyapa. Once in India, Mogallana raised an army and vowed to reclaim his rightful throne.

To protect himself from this threat, Kashyapa constructed a formidable fortress at Sigiriya, with walls that would serve both as a defense mechanism and as an extravagant royal residence. However, in a twist of fate, when Mogallana finally returned to Sri Lanka, Kashyapa’s forces abandoned him, and he was left vulnerable. In defeat, King Kashyapa committed suicide by falling on his own sword. Following this, Mogallana retook the capital, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya was eventually abandoned as a royal residence, being transformed into a Buddhist monastery.

Architectural Marvels of Sigiriya Fortress

The Sigiriya Fortress is renowned for its impressive and unique architecture. The entire site encompasses over 1,200 steps, leading visitors from the base of the rock to its summit. The ascent is not for the faint-hearted, but the journey is made memorable by the stunning views and the fascinating remnants of the fortress along the way.

The most iconic feature of Sigiriya is the colossal lion’s paws that sit halfway up the rock. These are all that remains of a grand lion-shaped entrance, which once served as the gateway to the royal palace. The lion’s head itself has long since crumbled, but the paws still evoke the power and grandeur of the fortress that once stood here.

At the top of Sigiriya, visitors can find the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace, including chambers, staircases, and even reservoirs, all cleverly built into the rock itself. The summit also offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, including the remains of an elaborate garden complex at the base of the rock. The gardens, designed with intricate pools and two large moats, were an essential part of the royal palace, reflecting the aesthetic grandeur of the period.

Sigiriya as a Monastery and its Discovery

Before it became a fortress, Sigiriya was used as a rock shelter and Buddhist monastery, dating back to at least the 3rd century BC. This usage continued long after the fall of the kingdom, with the site being used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. The monks who lived there carved caves into the rock, and some of these still bear inscriptions and images today.
Sigiriya remained largely forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery in 1907 by British explorer and archaeologist, H.C.P. Bell. Since then, the site has been excavated, and its remarkable history has been revealed to the world. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe, fascinated by its blend of history, art, and natural beauty.