Anuradhapura is an ancient city located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, and is home to many historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the must-visit places in Anuradhapura:
Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. The temple is known for its beautiful rock carvings, which are some of the oldest surviving examples of Sri Lankan art.
The main attraction at Isurumuniya is a rock carving known as the Isurumuniya Lovers. This carving depicts a man and a woman in an embrace, and is believed to date back to the 6th century AD. The carving is one of the most famous examples of ancient Sri Lankan art, and is considered to be a masterpiece of classical Sinhalese sculpture.
Other notable features of Isurumuniya include a large stone image of a reclining Buddha, as well as several other rock carvings depicting animals, deities, and other figures from Buddhist mythology. The temple is also known for its tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings, which make it a popular destination for meditation and contemplation.
Today, Isurumuniya remains an important site of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. The temple is open to visitors, and attracts both local and international tourists who come to admire its ancient art and learn about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Ranmasu Uyana
Ranmasu Uyana is an ancient park located in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The park is known for its beautiful landscaping, ancient ruins, and impressive hydraulic engineering, which were used to supply water to the ancient city.
One of the most impressive features of Ranmasu Uyana is the Lotus Pond, which is a large rectangular pond that was built during the reign of King Agbo II in the 4th century AD. The pond is surrounded by columns and is believed to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes.
Another notable feature of Ranmasu Uyana is the Royal Bathing Pool, which is a large, rectangular pool that was used by the ancient kings for bathing and other purposes. The pool is surrounded by a wall and has a series of fountains and channels that were used to supply water to the pool.
In addition to these impressive features, Ranmasu Uyana also contains several other ruins, including the remains of ancient temples, monasteries, and palaces. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient history and culture of Sri Lanka, and are a popular destination for tourists and historians alike.
Today, Ranmasu Uyana remains an important site of cultural and historical significance in Sri Lanka. The park is open to visitors and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which works to preserve its ancient ruins and promote its cultural heritage.
Abhayagiriya
Abhayagiriya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was founded by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC, and was one of the most important monastic centers in ancient Sri Lanka.
Over time, it grew in size and importance, becoming a center of learning and meditation for monks from all over Sri Lanka and other parts of the Buddhist world.
One of the most impressive features of Abhayagiriya is the Abhayagiri Stupa, which is a large, bell-shaped stupa that stands at over 370 feet tall. The stupa was built during the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya, and is one of the largest and most impressive stupas in Sri Lanka.
Abhayagiriya also contains several other important ruins, including a large monastery complex, a library, and several other stupa and shrine complexes. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient history and culture of Sri Lanka, and are a popular destination for tourists and historians alike.
Today, Abhayagiriya remains an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage and worship in Sri Lanka. The monastery is open to visitors, and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which works to preserve its ancient ruins and promote its cultural heritage.
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC, and is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
The temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Indian and Sri Lankan styles. Its most notable feature is the dagoba or stupa, which is a large, bell-shaped structure that contains relics of the Buddha. The stupa is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa himself, and is one of the earliest examples of stupa construction in Sri Lanka.
Thuparamaya also contains several other important ruins, including a stone slab that is believed to have been used as a seat by the Buddha, and several other stupa and shrine complexes. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient history and culture of Sri Lanka, and are a popular destination for tourists and historians alike.
Today, Thuparamaya remains an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage and worship in Sri Lanka. The temple is open to visitors, and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which works to preserve its ancient ruins and promote its cultural heritage.
Jetavanaramaya
Jetavanaramaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and is considered to be one of the largest and tallest stupas in the world.
The stupa is approximately 122 meters tall and was constructed using over 93 million bricks, making it one of the largest brick structures in the world. It is believed to have been built to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The stupa is also known for its unique architecture, which includes four flights of stairs and a series of terraces. It is surrounded by a large complex of monastic buildings, including a monastery, a library, and a large preaching hall.
Jetavanaramaya played an important role in the religious and cultural history of Sri Lanka, and was the site of many important Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. It was also a center of learning and scholarship, attracting monks and scholars from all over the Buddhist world.
Today, Jetavanaramaya remains an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage and worship in Sri Lanka. The temple is open to visitors, and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which works to preserve its ancient ruins and promote its cultural heritage. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
Mirisawetiya
Mirisawetiya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built by King Dutugamunu in the 2nd century BC, following his victory over the King Elara.
The temple is known for its large dagoba or stupa, which is approximately 45 meters tall and is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The stupa is surrounded by a large courtyard and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Mirisawetiya played an important role in the religious and cultural history of Sri Lanka, and was the site of many important Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. It was also a center of learning and scholarship, attracting monks and scholars from all over the Buddhist world.
Today, Mirisawetiya remains an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage and worship in Sri Lanka. The temple is open to visitors, and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which works to preserve its ancient ruins and promote its cultural heritage.
Moonstone
The moonstone is a type of stone carving that is commonly found in the ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries of Sri Lanka, including Anuradhapura. The moonstone is typically located at the entrance of a temple or shrine, and is used as a decorative element and as a symbolic representation of Buddhist philosophy.
The moonstone is typically circular in shape, with a series of concentric circles that represent the cycle of life and the impermanence of existence. The outermost circle is decorated with intricate carvings of animals, such as elephants, lions, horses, and bulls, which represent the four stages of existence. The next circle depicts the lotus flower, which symbolizes enlightenment and spiritual purity. The third circle is decorated with a series of flame-like patterns, which represent the cycle of birth and death. Finally, at the center of the moonstone is a carving of a lotus bud or a meditating Buddha, which represents the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice.
The moonstone is an important example of the ancient art and craftsmanship of Sri Lanka, and is a testament to the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is also an important symbol of Buddhist philosophy, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the importance of spiritual practice. Visitors to Anuradhapura can find moonstones at several of the city’s ancient temples and shrines, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Ruwanwelisaya.
Lankaramaya
Lankaramaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC, during his second reign as king. The temple is famous for its unique design, which combines elements of both Indian and Sri Lankan architecture.
The main stupa or dagoba of Lankaramaya is surrounded by four smaller stupas, which are believed to represent the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water. The stupa is adorned with a variety of intricate carvings and decorations, including lotus petals and mythical creatures such as dragons and lions.
The temple also contains several other important structures, including a mandapaya or assembly hall, a bo tree or sacred fig tree, and several smaller shrines and statues. The mandapaya is known for its beautiful carvings, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and Sri Lankan history.
Lankaramaya is an important site for Buddhists, and is believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself during his travels in Sri Lanka. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction, and attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its unique architecture and rich history.
Today, Lankaramaya continues to be an active place of worship, and is an important center for Buddhist meditation and study. It is open to visitors daily, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka.