WORLD BUDDHIST STAMPS e.GALLERY
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| Sigiriya, Sri Lanka | |
Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock or Lion Mountain, site in central Sri Lanka consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold that was built in the late 5th century ce on a remarkable monolithic rock pillar. The Sinhalese king Kashyapa I (reigned 477–495) built a palace in the shape of a monumental lion on the several acres of ground at the summit, intending it to be a safeguard against his enemies. However, the king was defeated in 495, and the palace fell into ruin. The site soon became a pilgrimage destination. It is notable for the rock paintings of apsaras (celestial singers and dancers). Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. |
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| Issued Country | Sri Lanka |
| Issued Year | 1980 |
| Category | Buddhist Architect World Heritage Theme 1: : World Buddhist Heritage Through Stamps Buddhist Landscape |
| Type | Postage Stamps |