This rock-cut monument can be seen in Galvihara, Polonnaruwa, and stands at a height of 7 metres (23 feet). It is a monumental achievement in the field of stonemasonry. Senarat Paranavitana, Sri Lanka's most recognised archaeologist, was of the opinion that it symbolises the Buddha himself in sadness, gesture named as Paradukkha-dukkhita, which translates as sorrowing for the sorrows of others. To a similar extent, some authors are of the opinion that this Buddha sculpture represents what is referred to as Maha Karuna, which is the Buddha's tremendous compassion toward all living beings.
