Religious Perception with Colossal Masterpieces: a Case Study of World’s Largest Samadhi Buddha Statue at Rambodagalla Temple, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The world’s largest rock carved Samadhi Buddha statue (67.5 ft) has been carved at Rambadagalla Temple which is located about 25 km from Kurunegala Town in Sri Lanka. Ven. Arnaramoli Thero, the pioneer of this colossal spiritualized creation who was determined to put such a huge concept into practice after visiting the largest Buddha statue in the world, the Bamiyan Buddha statues destructed by the Thaliban extremists. A rock peak about 70 feet high situated at the far end of the temple premises was selected as the suitable location for this purpose and the project was commenced on 13th of September 2013 and opened to the public on 30th of April 29015. The massive statue was carved by the most renowned sculptor from India, Padma Sri and Silpa Kalamni awards winner Mr. M.M. Sthapathi. Major objective of the study was to analyze the devotees’ motivations for visiting colossal masterpiece of art work in religious perspective. The other objectives were to identify the extreme uniqueness of this Buddha statue, to analyze the challenges encountered during the statue constructions, to analyze the religious perception of the devotees, and to observe the visitor related facilities within the site. Both primary and secondary data were referred during the case study including filed observations, interviews, structured questionnaires and other literary sources. Though there is lack of historically value within the site, thousands of devotees have visited the statue within a short period of time. Ridiviharaya Temple another historical and religious attraction is located 4 km away from Rambodagalla Temple but nowadays pilgrim groups are highly motivated to visit the particular site due to its massiveness. Disregarding the distances large amount of devotees arrive at the site to witness the statue, even from various province. Visitor related facilities within the premises should be further developed as the site is being more popularized day by day through the mass medias as well. The study emphasizes that the devotees are extremely motivated by the colossal masterpiece of works even by present disregarding the historical value.