Sri Lanka 2008

Justin sent many humorous SMSes to keep me entertained. This one is spoofing the "Welcome to insert-country-name-here" SMSes you always get from local phone companies when you arrive in a ne ...

2008-12-17T04:44:16Z

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Justin sent many humorous SMSes to keep me entertained. This one is spoofing the "Welcome to insert-country-name-here" SMSes you always get from local phone companies when you arrive in a ne ...

With Janet LeValley, an old family friend, in the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo

2008-12-19T04:34:41Z

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With Janet LeValley, an old family friend, in the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo

Buddha, Sri Lankan flag, Colombo

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Buddha, Sri Lankan flag, Colombo

Note the tuna hanging out the side of the bajaj, with a "wide load" ribbon on the tail

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Note the tuna hanging out the side of the bajaj, with a "wide load" ribbon on the tail

Macaque and nuns, Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE.

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Macaque and nuns, Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE.

Coconut oil lamps offered near the Bodhi tree, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Coconut oil lamps offered near the Bodhi tree, Anuradhapura

Guardstone to the Bodhi tree, Anuradhapura. Guardstones potray a naga (serpent god - note cobra halo) king holding a cornucopia and a sprouting branch, symbols of prosperity and fertility. A ...

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Guardstone to the Bodhi tree, Anuradhapura. Guardstones potray a naga (serpent god - note cobra halo) king holding a cornucopia and a sprouting branch, symbols of prosperity and fertility. A ...

Sri Maha Bodhi - a sapling of the original bodhi tree, planted in 288 BC -- thus the oldest historical tree. Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Sri Maha Bodhi - a sapling of the original bodhi tree, planted in 288 BC -- thus the oldest historical tree. Anuradhapura

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Sudden thunderstorm, Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Sudden thunderstorm, Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Wading through the temple complex, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:45:46Z

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Wading through the temple complex, Anuradhapura

Thuparama Dagoba, 3rd century BCE -- one of the oldest stupas in the world. Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T21:46:10Z

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Thuparama Dagoba, 3rd century BCE -- one of the oldest stupas in the world. Anuradhapura

Moonstone, Mahasena's Palace, Anuradhapura. The symbolism is debated but generally represents movement from the cycle of rebirth inwards to the lotus, representing nibbana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Moonstone, Mahasena's Palace, Anuradhapura. The symbolism is debated but generally represents movement from the cycle of rebirth inwards to the lotus, representing nibbana

Guardstone, Northern Ruins, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Guardstone, Northern Ruins, Anuradhapura

Abhayagiri Dagoba, once the center of a heretical sect, visited by Fa Xian in 412. Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Abhayagiri Dagoba, once the center of a heretical sect, visited by Fa Xian in 412. Anuradhapura

4th century Samadhi Buddha statue, Northern Ruins, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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4th century Samadhi Buddha statue, Northern Ruins, Anuradhapura

One of the Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds) in Anuradhapura, built for monks to bathe in in the 6th-8th century. It has an ingenius water filtration system.

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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One of the Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds) in Anuradhapura, built for monks to bathe in in the 6th-8th century. It has an ingenius water filtration system.

Moss-covered turtule, Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Moss-covered turtule, Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura

Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura. When it was built in the 3rd century, it was the world's third tallest building, the first two being pyramids.

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura. When it was built in the 3rd century, it was the world's third tallest building, the first two being pyramids.

Grey langurs, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Grey langurs, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Grey langur, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Grey langur, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Grey langurs, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Grey langurs, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Elephant safari, Habarana. On the right is the platform from which you mount the elephant

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Elephant safari, Habarana. On the right is the platform from which you mount the elephant

Feeding my elephant a mango, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Feeding my elephant a mango, Habarana

Elephant safari, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Elephant safari, Habarana

Snorkeling elephant, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Snorkeling elephant, Habarana

Elephant safari, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Elephant safari, Habarana

Elephant safari, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Elephant safari, Habarana

Feeding elephant another mango, Habarana

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Feeding elephant another mango, Habarana

Sigiriya, the magma plug of a long-since-eroded volcano

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Sigiriya, the magma plug of a long-since-eroded volcano

Ruins at Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Ruins at Sigiriya

Path to Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Path to Sigiriya

Turtles in the water garden, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Turtles in the water garden, Sigiriya

The base of Sigiriya is riddled with caves, once lived in by monks who rejected the opulent monasteries of Anuradhapura and Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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The base of Sigiriya is riddled with caves, once lived in by monks who rejected the opulent monasteries of Anuradhapura and Polunnaruwa

Eek!

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Eek!

Path to Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Path to Sigiriya

View down from halfway up Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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View down from halfway up Sigiriya

Stairs up to the frescos, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Stairs up to the frescos, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya. These may represent heavenly nymphs, or the king's concubines, or Tara

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya. These may represent heavenly nymphs, or the king's concubines, or Tara

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya. The one on the left has three nipples -- the artist changed his mind partway through

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya. The one on the left has three nipples -- the artist changed his mind partway through

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

Fresco, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Fresco, Sigiriya

1000-year-old graffiti commenting on the frescoes, Sigiriya. They say things like: "The ladies who wear golden chains on their breasts beckon me. As I have seen the resplendent ladies, heave ...

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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1000-year-old graffiti commenting on the frescoes, Sigiriya. They say things like: "The ladies who wear golden chains on their breasts beckon me. As I have seen the resplendent ladies, heave ...

Locally believed to be a defensive structure (archaeologists less sure), Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Locally believed to be a defensive structure (archaeologists less sure), Sigiriya

The stairs to the top originally passed through the mouth of an enormous lion. Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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The stairs to the top originally passed through the mouth of an enormous lion. Sigiriya

Marjorie between the lion's paws, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:31Z

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Marjorie between the lion's paws, Sigiriya

View from the top of Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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View from the top of Sigiriya

View back down towards the water garden, Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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View back down towards the water garden, Sigiriya

Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Sigiriya

Water monitor, near Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Water monitor, near Polunnaruwa

Water monitor, near Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Water monitor, near Polunnaruwa

Royal palace of Parakramabahu I in Polunnaruwa, capital of Sri Lanka from the 10th-13th centuries

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Royal palace of Parakramabahu I in Polunnaruwa, capital of Sri Lanka from the 10th-13th centuries

Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

Lion statue, Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Lion statue, Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

Mythical creature with the body of a crocodile, ears of a peacock, eyes of a monkey, tusks of a board, trunk of an elephant. Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Mythical creature with the body of a crocodile, ears of a peacock, eyes of a monkey, tusks of a board, trunk of an elephant. Audience Hall, Polunnaruwa

Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa. The kings of Polunnaruwa intermarried with the Tamil royal family, so Hinduism became more prominent during this period.

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa. The kings of Polunnaruwa intermarried with the Tamil royal family, so Hinduism became more prominent during this period.

Shivalingam, Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Shivalingam, Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa

Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa. The stones are just stacked together, with no mortar

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa. The stones are just stacked together, with no mortar

Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Shiva Devale #1, Polunnaruwa

Cobra lurking near the entrance of the Vatadage, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Cobra lurking near the entrance of the Vatadage, Polunnaruwa

One of four Buddha statues in the Vatadage, Polunnaruwa. In background: Satmahal Prasada, possibly influenced by Khmer architecture

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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One of four Buddha statues in the Vatadage, Polunnaruwa. In background: Satmahal Prasada, possibly influenced by Khmer architecture

Moonstone, Vatadage, Polunnaruwa. Polunnaruwa-era moonstones lack lions (which had become the national symbol) and bulls (sacred to Hindus)

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Moonstone, Vatadage, Polunnaruwa. Polunnaruwa-era moonstones lack lions (which had become the national symbol) and bulls (sacred to Hindus)

Rankot Vihara, the largest dagoba in Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Rankot Vihara, the largest dagoba in Polunnaruwa

12th century Buddha carved from the living rock, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa. This is a very unusual posture representing sorrow.

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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12th century Buddha carved from the living rock, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa. This is a very unusual posture representing sorrow.

Sorrowful Buddha and Buddha entering parinibbana. 12th century, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Sorrowful Buddha and Buddha entering parinibbana. 12th century, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa

12th century Samadhi Buddha, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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12th century Samadhi Buddha, Gal Vihara, Polunnaruwa

Hornet's nest, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Hornet's nest, Minneriya National Park

Self-portrait while riding in a Jeep through Minneriya National Park. (I think standing up in a moving vehicle was half the fun.)

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Self-portrait while riding in a Jeep through Minneriya National Park. (I think standing up in a moving vehicle was half the fun.)

Everybody's got a water buffalo... Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Everybody's got a water buffalo... Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Minneriya National Park

Elephants, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Elephants, Minneriya National Park

Elephants, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Elephants, Minneriya National Park

Elephants, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Elephants, Minneriya National Park

Baby elephants nursing, trying to eat grass. Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Baby elephants nursing, trying to eat grass. Minneriya National Park

Marjorie with elephants, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Marjorie with elephants, Minneriya National Park

Elephants, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Elephants, Minneriya National Park

Baby elephant nursing, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Baby elephant nursing, Minneriya National Park

Painted storks, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Painted storks, Minneriya National Park

Painted storks, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Painted storks, Minneriya National Park

Eagle (White-bellied sea eagle?), Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Eagle (White-bellied sea eagle?), Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Minneriya National Park

Peacock, Minneriya National Park

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Peacock, Minneriya National Park

Peacocks, Hotel Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Peacocks, Hotel Sigiriya

Manioc curry! Mmm-mmm!

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Manioc curry! Mmm-mmm!

Creche set, Hotel Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Creche set, Hotel Sigiriya

View from Hotel Sigiriya

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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View from Hotel Sigiriya

Tacky museum, Dambulla. Entering a temple through a demon's jaws is a very Sinhalese motif, but this seems like an oddly Miyazaki-esque version.

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Tacky museum, Dambulla. Entering a temple through a demon's jaws is a very Sinhalese motif, but this seems like an oddly Miyazaki-esque version.

Grooming macaques, Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Grooming macaques, Dambulla

Snacking macaque, Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Snacking macaque, Dambulla

Ananda (?) mourning at the feet of the dying Buddha, Cave of the Divine King, Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Ananda (?) mourning at the feet of the dying Buddha, Cave of the Divine King, Dambulla

The dying Buddha, shrine to Vishnu at his head. Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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The dying Buddha, shrine to Vishnu at his head. Dambulla

Macaque and prayer flags, Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Macaque and prayer flags, Dambulla

153 Buddha statues and decorate the caves, which have been a monastery since the 1st century BCE. Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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153 Buddha statues and decorate the caves, which have been a monastery since the 1st century BCE. Dambulla

There are also 2100 square meters of murals of the Buddha. Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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There are also 2100 square meters of murals of the Buddha. Dambulla

Two Hindu deities, Saman and Vishnu, have snuck in. Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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Two Hindu deities, Saman and Vishnu, have snuck in. Dambulla

The king who renovated the cave temple, Dambulla

2008-12-17T04:46:32Z

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The king who renovated the cave temple, Dambulla