Anuradapura.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city steeped in history and spiritual significance. As the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, it served as the political and religious center for over 1,300 years, from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The city's vast archaeological park is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Sinhalese civilization, with its impressive stupas, ancient monasteries, sophisticated irrigation systems, and intricate stone carvings. It is a place where you can witness the rise and fall of a great kingdom and feel the deep-rooted influence of Buddhism on the island's culture.
Anuradhapura's Main Attractions
The city's ancient ruins are spread over a large area, and the key sites are often referred to as the "Sacred City." Some of the most prominent attractions include:
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most sacred relics in Sri Lanka and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It's an ancient sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in the Mahamewna Gardens in the city of Anuradhapura. Key Facts and Significance A Direct Link to the Buddha: The tree is a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Because of this, it is considered the oldest authenticated tree in the world with a known planting date. Historic Journey: The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitta Theri, the daughter of the great Indian Emperor Ashoka. It was ceremoniously received and planted by King Devanampiya Tissa in 288 BCE. Symbol of Continuity: While the original Bodhi tree in India was destroyed, this sapling has been carefully and continuously protected for over 2,300 years by kings, monks, and dedicated villagers, making it a powerful symbol of the enduring presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A Living Relic: For Buddhists, the tree is a living embodiment of the Buddha, and its sanctity is second only to a living Buddha himself. Pilgrims often visit to make offerings, meditate, and seek blessings. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a central part of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Abhayagiri Vihara
The Abhayagiri Vihara is a vast monastic complex located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It's not just a single building but an entire religious precinct that played a pivotal role in the history of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Key Facts and Significance A Different School of Thought: While the Mahavihara was the traditional center of Theravada Buddhism, Abhayagiri Vihara was a rival monastic institution. Founded in the 1st century BCE by King Valagamba, it became a major center for more progressive Buddhist philosophies, including Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings, which were seen as heretical by the more conservative Mahavihara monks. An International Center of Learning: By the 1st century CE, Abhayagiri had grown into a major international institution, attracting scholars from across the Buddhist world. Historical records, including those of the Chinese monk Faxian who visited in the 5th century, describe it as a thriving center with thousands of monks. The Abhayagiri Stupa: The central stupa of the complex, the Abhayagiri Dagaba, is a monumental structure. While smaller than the Jetavanaramaya, it was still one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, reaching a height of 100 meters (328 feet). It is a significant pilgrimage site and a remarkable example of ancient brick construction. Architectural and Archaeological Marvels: The complex covers an extensive area and contains many ruins, including elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades, and stunning "moonstones" (a type of semi-circular stone slab found at the foot of staircases). The site is a rich source of archaeological artifacts, including pottery, coins, and religious sculptures, which provide valuable insights into the daily life and practices of the monks who resided there. The Custodian of the Tooth Relic: For a period, Abhayagiri Vihara was the original custodian of the revered Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha in Sri Lanka, a fact that highlights its immense importance in the religious landscape of the island. Decline and Restoration: The monastery's influence waned after the 12th century when King Parakramabahu I unified the Buddhist sangha under the Mahavihara tradition. However, extensive archaeological work and restoration projects have brought the ruins of Abhayagiri Vihara back to life, and it remains a key site within the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura.
Ruwanweliseya
The Ruwanwelisaya (also known as the Ruwanveli Maha Seya) is one of the most significant and revered Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka. Located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, it's a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. Key Facts About Ruwanwelisaya Builder and History: It was built by King Dutugemunu around 140 BC after he unified the country. Though he died before its completion, his brother, King Saddhatissa, finished the construction. The stupa has undergone several renovations over the centuries, with a major restoration project in the early 20th century. Relics: The stupa is highly sacred because it is believed to enshrine one of the largest collections of the Buddha's relics anywhere in the world. Architecture: Ruwanwelisaya is a massive, hemispherical structure built from bricks. A notable feature is the surrounding wall, adorned with a frieze of 344 sculpted elephants, giving it a majestic appearance. The design of the stupa is said to symbolize Buddhist teachings: the dome represents the vastness of the doctrine, the four facets represent the Four Noble Truths, and the pinnacle's crystal symbolizes enlightenment. Significance: It is one of the "Atamasthana" (the eight sacred places) and "Solosmasthana" (the 16 places of veneration) in Anuradhapura, making it a central point for pilgrims visiting the city. Its construction is seen as a symbol of national unity and a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage. Visitors to Ruwanwelisaya are encouraged to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, as it is an active place of worship.
Isurumuniya Temple
The Isurumuniya Vihara is a famous Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. While smaller in scale than the massive stupas nearby, it is one of the most visited sites due to its exquisite rock carvings and serene atmosphere. Key Facts and Significance Ancient Origins: The temple is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE to house the 500 high-caste noblemen who were ordained as monks after the introduction of Buddhism to the island. Unique Location and Architecture: The temple is built around a natural rock formation, which creates a stunning backdrop for the site. A pond in front of the rock adds to its tranquil beauty. The Isurumuniya Lovers: The temple is most famous for its intricate rock carvings. The most celebrated is the "Isurumuniya Lovers" carving, a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan art. This bas-relief sculpture from the 6th century CE depicts a man and a woman in a loving embrace. While their exact identity is debated by historians, it is popularly believed to represent Prince Saliya (son of King Dutugemunu) and his non-royal beloved, Asokamala, a story of a prince who gave up his right to the throne for love. Other Noteworthy Carvings: The Elephant Pond: Carvings of elephants in different poses, some appearing to splash water, are etched into the rock face near the pond. The Royal Family: A carving depicting a group of five figures, believed to be the royal family, is also located at the site. The Man and the Horse Head: A mysterious carving of a man seated next to a horse's head, which some scholars interpret as a representation of the god of rain, Parjanya, and the god of fire, Agni, linked to ancient rain-making rituals. A Sanctuary for Relics: The Isurumuniya Vihara was also historically significant as the first temporary home of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha when it was brought to Sri Lanka. Isurumuniya is a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual sanctity, and remarkable ancient artistry, making it an essential stop for any visitor to Anuradhapura.
Jetawanaramaya
The Jetavanaramaya is a massive stupa located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It stands as a testament to the engineering prowess and deep-rooted Buddhist faith of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. Key Facts and Significance A Monumental Achievement: Built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE, the Jetavanaramaya was originally the world's tallest stupa and the third-tallest structure in the ancient world, only surpassed by the Great Pyramids of Giza. At its peak, it was 122 meters (400 feet) tall. Largest Brick Structure in the World: The stupa is estimated to have been built with over 93 million baked bricks, making it the largest brick structure ever built by man. Religious Importance: It is believed that the stupa enshrines a part of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha, making it a highly sacred site for Buddhists. Symbol of a Historic Conflict: The construction of the Jetavanaramaya is significant in Sri Lankan history as it represents the tensions and doctrinal conflicts between the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism during the reign of King Mahasena. The king initially persecuted the Theravada monks of the Mahavihara monastery, and the Jetavanaramaya was built on its destroyed grounds. However, the king later repented and restored the Mahavihara. Archaeological Marvel: The site is part of a larger monastery complex that is estimated to have housed 10,000 monks. Excavations have revealed various artifacts, including coins, pottery, and other ritual objects. The engineering behind the stupa's foundation and its unique ellipsoid shape are considered a major development in ancient engineering. Today, while the stupa is not at its original height due to centuries of neglect and later renovations, it remains a breathtaking and important monument in the Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mihinthale
Mihintale, often referred to as the "cradle of Buddhism" in Sri Lanka, is a significant pilgrimage site located near Anuradhapura. It is believed to be the site of a historic meeting in the 3rd century BCE between the Buddhist monk Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, and King Devanampiyatissa. This encounter led to the king's conversion to Buddhism and the subsequent spread of the religion throughout the island. The site is a complex of ancient monuments, including stupas, monastic ruins, and caves. Key features include the Grand Stairway, which has 1,840 granite steps, and the Ambasthala Dagoba, which marks the spot where the historic meeting took place. Mihintale continues to be a major center for Buddhist pilgrims, especially during the Poson Poya festival in June, which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Kuttam pokuna
Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the "Twin Ponds," is a remarkable archaeological site located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Considered a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese hydraulic engineering and architecture, these two exquisitely preserved stone-lined bathing ponds are a major highlight of the Abhayagiri Vihara complex. The ponds are believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608 CE) for the use of the monks. Despite being called "twin ponds," they are not identical in size; the smaller northern pond is 91 feet long, while the larger southern pond is 132 feet long, both with a width of 51 feet.
Samadi pilima
The Samadhi Buddha Statue is a renowned statue located in the Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture, carved from dolomite marble, and stands at a height of 7 feet 3 inches. The statue depicts the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, a meditative pose with his hands resting on his lap, palms facing up. This posture symbolizes the deep concentration and spiritual enlightenment the Buddha achieved. Historians believe the statue dates back to the 4th to 6th centuries. It was discovered in 1886, with a broken nose, and has since been restored.
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Sandakada pahana
A Sandakada pahana, also known as a "moonstone," is an intricately carved, semi-circular stone slab and a unique feature of ancient Sinhalese architecture in Sri Lanka. It is typically placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances to important buildings, especially Buddhist temples. The carvings on the moonstone are believed to have deep symbolic meaning, often representing the Buddhist concept of the cycle of saṃsāra (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) and the path to enlightenment (Nibbana).