The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple or Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Dambulla area which belongs to the central part of Sri Lanka. It is among the most significant and well-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka.
According to legend, King Valagamba founded the Dambulla Cave Temple as a haven for refuge in the first century BCE. The monarch of Anuradhapura was forced to flee his kingdom due to an invasion by South India. King Valagamba has been hiding in these caves for 12 years, knowing them to be safe. To express his gratitude for his safe haven, the King built walled partitions beneath the overhanging rock to turn the caverns into Buddhist temples. This allowed the entire area to appear to be one enormous caveIn order to make this large cave weatherproof and prevent water from seeping inside the caved areas, he had drip ledges made along its length. King Keerthi Sri Nissankamalla (1187–1196) significantly improved the area by building numerous additional Buddha images and gold plating approximately 73 Buddha images in the Dambulla Cave Temple.
The temple is easily accessible and is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. To get to the caves, visitors usually have to ascend a flight of stairs. From the top, they are treated to expansive vistas of the surroundings and can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The temple complex is still attracting tourists from all over the world who come to appreciate its historical and cultural significance despite efforts to preserve and protect it. For those interested in Buddhism and ancient art, the Dambulla Cave Temple is a must-visit location. It is a testament to the rich cultural and religious legacy of Sri Lanka.
