Sigiriya is a rock fortress that is situated in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka which is one of the historical monuments that has a lot of cultural significance for its spectacular architecture and engineering prowess.
A History
Before Sigiriya became the impenetrable rock fortress of a paranoid king, it was a monastery with a series of caves that sheltered the monks that lived there. It then went on to become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and spawned many a Sigiriya hotel.
Kashyapa I
The architect behind the complex was King Kashyapa I who fled the capital Anuradhapura after he murdered his father and feared retribution from his brother; the rightful heir. Kashyapa’s paranoia meant he wanted the fortress to be built in a way that it could never be breached, and it wasn’t. He died only after jumping the gun and going out to meet his brother in battle.
Interesting Features
Sigiriya has several features that make it a mystery and a wonder even today. One of the most famous are the paintings or frescoes on the side of the rock face depicting beautiful women. There have been many speculations as to who these women are, including being Kashyapa’s concubines.
There is also a Mirror Wall which in its heyday was polished so bright that it shone like a mirror. Today it serves as a collection of graffiti that visitors in the ancient times had scrawled.
Stay at Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel or one of the other hotels in the vicinity so you can explore this wonder.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+
