Sigiriya (Lion's rock)

I visited Sigiriya recently. It is situated in Matale District, Sri Lanka. I gazed at the architectural marvels and gasped at the breathtaking sight from the summit. A great mystery shrouded the rock citadel, modeled on the mythical abode of "Kuvera", the god of wealth. But long before it become a palace, the rock was a monastery donated by devotees to the Sangha. King Kashyapa built the garden city and the palace in 477-495 AD. According to the Mahawansa, king Kashyapa was a patricide who murdered his father, king Dhathusena. The son walled his father alive to usurp the throne (it) rightfully belonged to his brother, Mugalan. In order to escape the armies of his brother, Kashyapa built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya. Finally, Mugalan managed to reach Kashyapa and therefore he committed suicide at the foot of his rock citadel. Sigiriya with the frescos, the water gardens, the moats, and the ramparts evoke the admiration and curiosity of travelers.

1. ramparts
2. water gardens
3. moats
4. frescos
5. Mirror Wall and Lion Gate