Rising dramatically from the plains of central Sri Lanka, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya—often called the "Lion Rock"—is one of the country's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Perched high on its western face lies a hidden artistic treasure: the Sigiriya Apsaras, a series of mesmerizing frescoes that have enchanted historians, artists, and travelers for centuries.

These 5th-century paintings, created during the reign of King Kashyapa, depict sensuous, life-sized women adorned in intricate jewelry and diaphanous garments. Thought to represent royal courtiers, priestesses, or celestial nymphs (apsaras) from Buddhist and Hindu traditions, their graceful gestures and serene expressions float against a backdrop of stylized clouds, embodying elegance, spirituality, and mystery.
The Sigiriya frescoes are considered masterpieces of early South Asian art and are believed to have inspired later works such as the famed Ajanta cave paintings in India. Once covering much of the rock’s western surface, it’s estimated that nearly 500 figures originally adorned the cliff. Today, only about 20 remain, preserved in a naturally protected alcove.
What makes the Sigiriya Apsaras truly remarkable is not just their aesthetic beauty, but their technical brilliance. Created using natural pigments and a true fresco technique, the paintings exhibit fluid lines, dynamic movement, and a luminous quality that has survived over 1,500 years of weather and time.
More than just ancient decoration, the Apsaras of Sigiriya are powerful symbols of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and artistic legacy—an ethereal echo of a golden age, captured forever on stone and sky. 

inspiration - VPV

Tucked within the Valikamam region of Sri Lanka’s northern Jaffna District, Alaveddy is a vibrant and culturally significant village comprising five distinct areas—North, Centre, East, South, and West. Set against a lush Tamil Hindu backdrop, Alaveddy is a living archive of spiritual heritage, community life, and agricultural richness.
Known for its ancient temples and deep-rooted spiritual practices, Alaveddy is home to several sacred shrines that have stood the test of time—many believed to be over a thousand years old. Notable among them are the Shri Kumbalavalai Ganesha Temple and Kurukkal Kinnathadi Temple, both of which continue to serve as spiritual anchors for the community and attract devotees from across the region. Many of these temples are dedicated to guardian deities, underscoring the village’s longstanding devotion to Tamil Hindu traditions.
The village also takes pride in producing several eminent cultural figures. Renowned Thavil percussionist Thadchanamoorthy and celebrated poet Mahakavi Uruthiramoorthy hail from neighborhoods neighboring the VPV area, contributing to Alaveddy’s reputation as a cradle of artistry and intellect.
Agriculturally, Alaveddy is a green and fertile village, dotted with vegetable gardens and especially known for its paddy cultivation. The village is uniquely distinguished by its diverse soil types, including shades of brown, red, and black, which support a range of crops and contribute to its agrarian economy.
Alaveddy is not just a village—it is a vibrant expression of Tamil identity, spirituality, and resilience in Sri Lanka’s northern landscape.

inspiration - VPV