(由 Google 翻译)梅迪里吉里亚瓦塔达奇:古代斯里兰卡的建筑瑰宝
梅迪里吉里亚瓦塔达奇是一处位于斯里兰卡干旱地区森林中的非凡考古遗址。这座古老的建筑可追溯至前基督教时代,是早期斯里兰卡建筑和工艺的典范。瓦塔达奇以其独特的圆形设计而闻名,曾是一座佛塔的所在地,周围环绕着精雕细琢的石柱和其他遗迹,展现了阿努拉德普勒及之后时期的宏伟气势。
历史背景
最早关于梅迪里吉里亚瓦塔达奇的记载可以追溯到阿努拉德普勒时期卡尼塔·蒂萨国王(公元192-194年)统治时期的编年史。后来,它由多位国王修建,其中包括阿嘎菩提六世国王(公元 733-772 年),根据《库拉万萨》(斯里兰卡小编年史),他被认为在公元 7 世纪建造了瓦塔达格。
然而,在 13 世纪马嘎国王的毁灭性入侵之后,由于僧伽罗人为了逃避随之而来的苦难而迁徙到南部地区,该遗址被废弃。直到 1897 年,H.C.P. 贝尔先生重新发现了它,他认识到了它的重要性,并将其誉为“建筑瑰宝”。
建筑设计与结构
梅迪里吉里亚瓦塔达格建在一个小的岩石基座上,入口位于北侧。通往瓦塔达格的路需要攀登 27 级石阶,通往休息区,然后再攀登四级石阶,才能到达中央的佛塔屋。瓦塔达格(Vatadage)周围环绕着一堵约一米高的石墙,将佛塔和两侧各四尊雕刻精美的坐佛像包围起来。
柱子和屋顶设计:
瓦塔达格的屋顶由三圈同心圆的石柱支撑。内圈由16根石柱组成,高17英尺(约5.3米);中圈和外圈分别有16根和9英尺(约4.9米)高的石柱,每圈分别有20根和32根石柱。
尽管存在各种理论,但由于石柱的排列和大小,考古学家们对于该建筑是否曾经有过屋顶仍存在争议。
其他建筑:
佛塔殿:中央的佛塔现已成为废墟,曾是瓦塔达格的中心。
佛像殿:瓦塔达格周围有三座佛像殿,每座殿内供奉着不同姿态的佛像。一座著名的佛像屋,面积57 x 36英尺,内供奉着一尊33英尺长的卧佛。
皮查玛尔佛寺(Pichcha-mal Viharaya):两座较小的佛像屋位于较远的地方,当地人称之为皮查玛尔佛寺(Pichcha-mal Viharaya),每座面积20 x 20英尺。内供奉着五尊佛像——三尊立像和两尊坐像。
小佛塔:通往瓦塔达格(Vatadage)入口的小路对面,有一座建在岩石上的小佛塔,从这里可以欣赏到瓦塔达格(Vatadage)的壮丽景色。
其他著名景点
池塘:附近有两个池塘,可能是居住于此的僧侣使用过的。
洞穴:瓦塔达格(Vatadage)区域入口附近有一个洞穴,可能近代曾被使用过,也可能是天然形成的。
医院:附近有一所旧时医院的遗迹,其特点是两种方形布局,分别有33根和20根石柱。遗址内还有一艘保存完好的药船,这是古代医院的常见遗迹。
石刻:遗憾的是,许多石刻已被寻宝者和当地村民毁坏。如今仅存三块,其中两块与医院的管理和物资供应有关,第三块则以泰米尔语刻制。
厕所:在主入口附近可以找到一块石头,它曾是厕所坑的顶部,体现了当时先进的卫生设施。
(原文)
Medirigiriya Vatadage: An Architectural Jewel of Ancient Sri Lanka
A remarkable archaeological site located amidst the dry zone forests of Sri Lanka. This ancient structure, with its roots tracing back to pre-Christian times, is an exemplary representation of early Sri Lankan architecture and craftsmanship. The Vatadage is known for its unique circular design that once housed a stupa, surrounded by intricately carved stone pillars and other ruins that reflect the grandeur of the Anuradhapura and later periods.
Historical Background
The earliest references to Medirigiriya Vatadage can be found in the chronicles dating back to the reign of King Kanittha Tissa (192-194 AD) during the Anuradhapura Era. It was later developed by various kings, including King Aggabodhi VI (733–772 AD), who is credited with building the Vatadage in the 7th century, according to the Culawansa (the lesser chronicle of Sri Lanka).
However, after the devastating invasion of King Maga in the 13th century, the site was abandoned as the Sinhalese people migrated to the southern regions to escape the ensuing hardships. The site remained lost to history until it was rediscovered in 1897 by Mr. H.C.P. Bell, who recognized its significance and described it as an "architectural jewel."
Architectural Design and Structure
The Medirigiriya Vatadage is constructed on a small rock pedestal, with the entrance located on the northern side. The approach to the Vatadage involves climbing 27 stone steps leading to a resting area, followed by four more steps to reach the central stupa house. The Vatadage is surrounded by a stone wall, approximately one meter in height, which encloses the stupa and four beautifully carved seated Buddha statues on each side.
Pillars and Roof Design:
The roof of the Vatadage was supported by three concentric circles of stone pillars. The inner circle, consisting of 16 pillars, stands 17 feet tall, while the middle and outer circles have 16 and 9 feet tall pillars, respectively, with 20 and 32 pillars in each circle.
Despite various theories, there is still some debate among archaeologists regarding whether the structure ever had a roof due to the arrangement and size of the pillars.
Additional Structures:
Stupa House: The central stupa, now in ruins, was once the focal point of the Vatadage.
Image Houses: There are three image houses around the Vatadage, each containing Buddha statues in different postures. One notable image house, measuring 57 x 36 feet, houses a 33-foot-long reclining Buddha statue.
Pichcha-mal Viharaya: Two smaller image houses are located further away, locally known as Pichcha-mal Viharaya, each measuring 20 x 20 feet. These contain five Buddha statues—three standing and two seated.
Small Stupa: Opposite the pathway leading to the Vatadage entrance is a small stupa on a rock, offering a fantastic view of the Vatadage.
Other Notable Features
Ponds: There are two ponds in the vicinity, likely used by the monks who resided at the site.
Cave: Near the entrance to the Vatadage area there is a cave that may have been used in recent times or could be a natural formation.
Hospital: The remains of an advanced hospital are located nearby, characterized by two square layouts with 33 and 20 stone pillars, respectively. The site also features a well-preserved medicine boat, a common feature in ancient hospitals.
Stone Inscriptions: Unfortunately, many of the stone inscriptions have been destroyed by treasure hunters and local villagers. Only three remain today, with two related to the management and provisioning of the hospital and the third inscribed in Tamil.
Toilet: A stone, once the top of a toilet pit, can be found near the main entrance, indicative of the advanced sanitation practices of the time.