Samadhi Buddha Statue

The Samadhi Statue is a statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra. The posture of meditation is associated with his first Enlightenment also called Nirvana. Samadhi Statue is considered one of the greatest works of sculptural art of the early period of the Anuradhapura era. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. This Statue is made out of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This is similar to the Toluvila statue from the same period.
This statue was found in the present location in 1886 and fell to the ground with damage to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed unsuccessfully. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re-constructed again which still was eye sore.

The statue’s eyes are hollow indicating they were impressed with crystal or precious stones. When this area was excavated it was clear that this was one of 4 statues placed around the Bodhi tree growing here. During excavations in 1960, the Bodhighara (Bodhi tree) was discovered including an Asanagala and a Sri Pathul gala. Of the 4 seated images, the one facing north has survived. There are a few fragments of another one on the pedestal facing South. It is quite possible that the other two had been removed to another temple at a later date.