Aukana statue

 

         A standing statue erected on a large rock in the village of Aukana near the Kalawewa in Anuradhapura.It was a successful attempt by a talented artist to carve the Buddha's virtues out of a rough black stone.This unique skin design is called the Aukana Statue.This standing statue which is 38 feet 10 inches high is believed to belong to the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century.It is accepted as a Buddha statue belonging to the temple called Kalasela which belongs to the Dhatusena period.The Aukana statue reflects the Indian Amaravathi art features.The Abhaya seal is shown on the right and the wave of robes on the left drops to the feet.The unified chivara is decorated with a rhythmic line and is attached to the body.The Sangati below the Chivara reflects the Amaravathi features.The siraspathaya on the head was a later addition.This statue, which sits directly on a pedestal, reflects the maturity of the Anuradhapura craftsman.Accurate human size, perfect physique, enhances artistic value.The expressiveness and delicate finish preserve the quality of the statue and is considered to be the greatest standing statue ever made in Anuradhapura.The stone foundation testifies to the existence of a footpath associated with the statue.Four images of the great Brahma and Lokeshwara have been found in one of the holes in the base.Images of Brahma and Kuvera have also been found.These idols are said to represent the deity and the supernatural.