TANTIRIMALE

Tantirimale is situated 47 kilometres beyond Anuradhapura on the Anuradhapura-Vilachchiya road. The ruins can be reached by travelling along the road to the right of the Tantirimale junction.

Tantirimale is significant both as a pre-historic and historic site. This happens to be an area inhabited by hunters belonging to the period 10,000 — 7,000 B.C. of the Neolithic age. The cave paintings either belong to them or had been done by their descendants. The two sites Andiyagala, Billawagala are closely situated and also known for their pre-historic paintings.

Sedent Buddha Image

A large sedent Buddha image carved out of the living rock has been found at Tantirimale and datable to the 8th century. It bears testimony to the extent of a Buddhist monastery during this historic time. The face and the right hand of the image have been broken and damaged. The robe touching the body has a single ripple. This depicts the Buddha's sleeping posture in the lion-like attitude.

A Seated Buddha Image

The seated Buddha image at Tantirimale has affinities with those at Maharastra in India. It has been carved out of the living rock. This image which is embedded in the rock is rare because it is supported by a pedestal in place of the usual lotus seat. The cross-legged posture placing the left foot on the seat with the right foot resting over it and with the sole of the right foot turned upwards. Not only the mudra but the entire body depicts tranquillity.

The face resplendent with a radiating smile on the lips, too, highlights the expression of tranquillity.

This image has a backrest and two figures of lions standing on either side—the two ends at either side project sideways. There are figures of dragons shown at the ends. On the other side of the Buddha's head, there are two figures, either of deities or of Bodhisattvas carrying chowries. The circular slab behind the head of the image depicts the nimbus.

(Heritage of Rajarata by Prof. Chandra Wikramagamage, P178)