Kekirawa brings together two distinct cultural themes in its surrounding area: the rock sculpture of the Avukana Buddha statue and the history of Kalawewa. Their details range from the construction of a single sculpture to accounts of irrigation reservoirs.
Avukana: Figure, Rock and Pedestal
The Avukana Buddha statue near Kekirawa is a standing Buddha figure carved from a large granite rock face in the 5th century. A narrow strip of rock connects the figure to the rock face and supports it. The lotus pedestal was carved separately and placed beneath the statue. Thus, the rock face, the connecting strip and the separately crafted pedestal are distinct parts of its description. When viewing the statue, it is important to note that it is characterised not only by its posture, but also by its structural relationship with the rock.
The height figures differ according to what is included in the measurement: excluding the pedestal, the statue measures 38 feet 10 inches (11.84 m); including the pedestal, the total height is 42 feet (13 m). The figures therefore refer to different measurements. The first is for the statue alone, while the second is for the statue and pedestal together.
The architecture that surrounded the statue is also part of the story. Parts of the walls of the large image house or shrine where the Avukana statue stood have survived. A structure made of brick and stone measured 74 feet (23 m) in length and 63 feet (19 m) in width. The surviving wall remains and measurements add the former architectural setting to the sculpture and give an indication of the building’s scale beside the figure.
Kalawewa: Irrigation Works and Historical Accounts
Kalawewa is an irrigation work dating from the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It lies 7 km southwest of Kekirawa in Anuradhapura District. Today’s Kalawewa is considered to be the joining of two ancient irrigation reservoirs: Balaluwewa and Kalawewa. This theme therefore extends beyond a single structure to encompass the relationship between the two named reservoirs.
The historical dating of the reservoirs is attributed to the Mahawansha. According to the text, Balaluwewa was constructed across the Hawenella Oya during the reign of King Kutakanna Tissa (44–22 BC). Kalawewa was constructed across the Kala Oya during the reign of King Dhathusena (453–477 AD), according to the same account. The tradition thus associates the two reservoirs with different reigns and waterways. In this account, Balaluwewa belongs to the earlier reign, and Kalawewa to the considerably later one.
Two Cultural Themes Around Kekirawa
When choosing accommodation in Kekirawa, these highlights can help guide your interests. Avukana focuses on the dimensions and construction of a sculpture and its image house; Kalawewa is about the relationship between two irrigation reservoirs and their attributed history. The area around Kekirawa thus offers both art and architectural history and an introduction to historical water management.
Discover more destinations: Mihintale, Medawachchiya, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Pahala Maragahawewa.
Back to the main travel overview: Anuradhapura.
