The meaning of the word Sigiriya, can be broken down as Sinha + gira or in English Lion + rock. The shape of the rock is truly a resemblance of a sitting Lion. Therefore, the name it self is a good match. The lion’s claws are one way to symbolize that this rock is a resemblance of a lion. This is the entrance to the steps direct to the summit of the rock. One has to pass half way of its journey to the rock to reach this place. According to the historical records, the entrance is through the mouth of lion built by bricks. However, today, one can only see the claws of the lion as the rest seems to have been destroyed.
