Anuradhapura
Rejuvenating getaway…
Rejuvenating getaway…
Anuradhapura, an ancient city nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, stands as the first capital of the island, established in the 4th century BC. It was the royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings and lasted for about thousand five hundred years. And also stands as a living testament to the island’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, bearing witness to the rise and fall of several ancient kingdoms. It is known for its vast dagobas, or brick stupas, ancient ponds and pools, and magnificent temples.
Anuradhapura is not just historically important but also religiously significant, being a center of Buddhist pilgrimage and learning. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacred City sprawls across an expansive area, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into ancient Sri Lanka’s grandeur. Towering stupas, intricately carved monoliths, remnants of palaces, and colossal reservoirs speak volumes about the advanced civilization that thrived here centuries ago.
At the heart of Anuradhapura’s allure lies its spiritual significance. The city embraces the Sri Maha Bodhi, a revered fig tree believed to have sprouted from a cutting of the Bodhi tree in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This sacred tree, enclosed within a serene garden, draws pilgrims and tourists alike, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.
Authentic Buddhist traditions, archaeological ruins, lavish palaces, traditional monasteries, and informative museums define the grandeur of Anuradhapura. Even though it is a large town, Anuradhapura gives the feeling of being in a village. With its well-preserved cultural sites, ponds, and monuments, Anuradhapura is a well-established tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Tourists visit this town for a rejuvenating getaway, to seek peace, and to satisfy their inquisitiveness.
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugemunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.
Today the RuwanweliSeya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large, paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Initially, on the outer side of the boundary of the wall is a complete circle of elephants, made from brickwork. Till today, there are many renovations which have taken place from time which has made the Ruwanweliseya stupa one of the most revered and influential areas of worship for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
History – Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the rare jewels in history, and the ancient account believes that the Ruwanweliseya stupa was built on the site which has the sacred blessings of Buddha. According to the folklore, a beautiful goddess named Swarna Mali resided in the Ran Thelambu tree.
Legend says that she agreed to leave the site only after King Dutugemunu decided to build the Stupa in her name. The story continues with King Dutugemunu lacking the necessary resources to make the stupa. At this occasion, the King of the Gods- Sakra deva came to know of the King’s wishes and came down providing all the material which comprised of gold, silver, pearls, and gems from the different countries to build the Ruwanweliseya stupa.
When the construction was coming to an end, and the King Dutugemunu was nearing his last breath, the then King covered the Ruwanweliseya stupa with a white cloth to show the completed view of the Ruwanweliseya stupa to King Dutugemunu.
Folklore at Ruwanweliseya Stupa – An ancient belief states that the remains of Buddha were brought from India to Sri Lanka by the Buddhist monk- Sonuttara. Mythology says that the sacred remains of Buddha transformed into the appearance of the living Buddha and started emitting fire and water at the same time when the relics were deposited at the Ruwanweliseya stupa.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.
This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for by many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks. Today the tree is surrounded by statues, water canals and golden fences which make the site even more holy and spiritually enhances its natural beauty. Although the tree is sacred for the Buddhists, many people belonging to other religions also pays a visit to the tree to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty and to get a sense of calm from their day-to-day life.
Another prominent feature is the Prarthana Bo tree. Many devotees believe that this tree has the power to grant the wishes of every person who pays a visit to the complex. The Buddhists make many offerings and vow at this sacred fig tree till today. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree is the most sacred tree in Sri Lanka and is revered and respected by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all over the world.
There are sermon sessions organized every day, where the Buddhist devotees visit the premises of the tree. On this occasion, you will find the atmosphere filled with the fragrance of the incense sticks and the burning of the oil lamps. We recommend visiting the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in the morning when one can make the most of the visit by participating in the rituals and witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the city.
History – About 2600 years ago, Gautama Buddha sat under the Esathu tree on the banks of the Neranjana River in Bodhgaya which is in India and attained enlightenment. Today, many people from all over the world come to visit this ancient tree in India.
In 260 BCE, it is believed that the Emperor Asoka sent the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta Maha Theri from India to Sri Lanka. On her way to Sri Lanka, she carried with her the holy branch of the original sacred fig tree. On reaching Sri Lanka, she presented the divine cutting to the King Devanampiya Tissa. The King later planted the branch of the holy Bodhi tree in 288 BCE at his royal park in Anuradhapura where it is presently known as the Maha Bodhi Tree.
Thuparamaya, also known as Thuparama, is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparamaya was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land.
The shape of the stupa was initially of a paddy rice shape which was later restored to a conventional bell shape in the year 1862. There were several changes to Thuparama, but some of the most significant changes were first in the 7th Century BCE when the stupa had gold and silver castings, further changes also took place in the 10th Century BCE, to the final renovations in 1862 which completely changed the structure of the stupa.
Thuparamaya is an archaeological site by the government of Sri Lanka, and the government offers it special care and protection. The stupa is today one of the most revered sites for the Buddhists in and outside Sri Lanka.
History – Thuparamaya was the first stupa in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism in the country by the King Devamnampiyatissa. History states that King Ashoka had sent his envoy to Sri Lanka who introduced Theravada Buddhism and Chaitya worship to Sri Lanka. It was on his advice that King decided to construct the stupa in which he enshrined the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha.
The name Thuparamaya comes from “stupa” and “Aramaya” which is a residential complex for monks. An ancient inscription states that a tank was near Thuparama, and the ancient harvest from the paddy fields around the reservoir was given to the Bhikkhus (an ordained male monk in Buddhism).
Mirisawetiya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the ancient and sacred Buddhist stupas in the country. It was built during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE and holds significant historical and religious value. The stupa is said to house a relic of the Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Mirisawetiya is renowned for its impressive structure and serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient ruins. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Anuradhapura, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and architectural achievements.
Isurumuniya is a revered Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura. It is renowned for its impressive rock carvings, particularly the Isurumuniya Lovers, a famous bas-relief sculpture depicting a couple in a loving embrace. Isurumuniya also boasts other notable features such as a tranquil lotus pond, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.
The temple complex itself is relatively small but exudes a sense of tranquility and spirituality, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking solace and cultural enrichment. Visitors to Isurumuniya can explore the temple grounds, admire the intricate carvings, and soak in the spiritual ambiance that permeates the site. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for leisurely walks and contemplation amidst nature, providing a holistic experience for those who venture to this ancient temple in Anuradhapura.
History – The temple, built by King Devanampiya Tissa, stands close to the Tissa tank. Isurumuniya was regarded as a fortress and shelter. As many as 500 kids were ordained to take up holy priesthood back then, and Isurumuniya was built as their place of stay. King Tissa to encourage more young people to religious ministry set up a camp for high-class children and offered them a comfortable place for learning and worship. Renovations on Isurumuniya were carried out by King Kashyapa I and the vihara were named “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera” after his two children. Each of the carvings in the temple has a backstory; one such states that according to Ramayana, Vaisrawana who lived in Vessagiriya ruled Sri Lanka from Lankapura before Ravana. Sri Lanka in its entirety and Anuradhapura holds tales of history that mark the inception and evolution of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Architecture – The structure of Isurumuniya is a crossover between a temple and a fortress. The edifice is on a cliff, and the vihara opens to a cave wherein rests a stupa. A rock on the left of the cave gives rise to statues of elephants and horses that symbolize the mighty troop of their combat. There is also a lake behind this stone marvel whose water flow never ceases to amuse. The infamous Isurumuniya lovers is a tale built along the lines of Romeo – Juliet. The figurines represent the love between Dutugemunu’s son Saliya and the Sadol Kula maiden, Asokamala. Legend has it that he gave up the throne for her as the inscription reads – “Hail! The cell of Mahaya is given to Venerable Asalaya”. Despite being in an of backwardness in thought, the carvings capture the gender roles impeccably. It shows a woman leading a man towards a path of light by daunting him against the wrong way. Overall Isurumuniya won the different walks of life back in the 2nd century itself. It thoughtfully carved out intricacies and details that would easily slip away from one’s mind. The artisan’s flow of thought transitions smoothly, and that proves appealing to our eyes.
The Samadhi Buddha statue in Anuradhapura is an iconic and revered sculpture representing Lord Buddha in a state of deep meditation or samadhi. Samadhi is a state of deep meditation, and the Lord Buddha is represented in this position after gaining enlightenment. This statue holds significant religious and historical importance in Sri Lanka, situated within the Mahamevuna Park in Anuradhapura.
The statue depicts the Buddha seated in the meditative posture, known as the Dhyana Mudra, with both hands resting on the lap, palms upward, and one hand placed over the other. This posture signifies concentration, balance, and the attainment of enlightenment. The Samadhi Buddha is believed to be an embodiment of the serene and tranquil state attained by Buddha during meditation. It stands as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and serves as an object of veneration and contemplation for Buddhists and visitors alike. The craftsmanship and artistic intricacy of the statue add to its allure, making it a notable attraction within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The serene ambiance of Mahamevuna Park, where the Samadhi Buddha resides, provides a peaceful setting conducive to contemplation and meditation.
The Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most beautiful and exciting structures which is in the atmospheric setting of Anuradhapura. The grand scale of the monastery ruins is genuinely breathtaking and can be viewed at any time, be it the break of dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a beautiful and shimmering glow. Abhayagiri vihara was the largest monastery in Sri Lanka for about 600 years.
Abhayagiri Vihara is not just a beautiful stupa but is also the place where a fraternity of Buddhist monks who maintain their records, traditions and way of life. The Abhayagiri Monastery was established in the 2nd Century BCE by King Valagamabau in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders. The main stupa was constructed over the footprint of Gautama Buddha, making it the second-largest stupa on the island. Also, check out the Twin Pond near the Abhayagiri Monastery, which is one of the great architectural marvels in Anuradhapura.
Jetavanarama monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.
The Jetavanaramaya stupa comes with a fascinating historical significance which depicts the differences going on between the two sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism. Today, the stupa is no longer the tallest, but is one of the largest in the world, with an area of over five hectares and housing over 10,000 monks. The Jetavanarama stupa is a great way to experience the Buddhist culture in its purest form.
History – King Mahasena of Anuradhapura built the Jetavanaramaya stupa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE after the destruction of Mahavihara. The construction of the structure was completed by his son Maghavanna I. Later, the Jetavanarama stupa was under the monks of the Sagalika sect.
The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is also known as Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof.
Lovamahapaya was constructed as a residence for Buddhist monks who assembled on “Poya” days (Poya means full moon day, in modern-day Sri Lanka Poya marks a holiday) to recite the “Pirith” (Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off misfortune or danger) and could accommodate 1000 monks.
One will also see roofed building, which is a replica of what the building might have looked like in its time. This building is a modern chapter house currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order. There is also a 45- feet rice boat cut from a stone which could historically prepare alms for 3,000 monks at a time in the Mahavihara monastery. It is convenient to visit this place as it lies between the major sites of Anuradhapura, i.e. the Maha Bodhi Temple and RuwanweliSeya. Though in ruins now, the structure is a testament of a bygone age and is a rich source of heritage and local culture.
History – In ancient times, the building had refectory and the uposatha gara (Uposatha house). There was also a Simamalake where the Sangha assembled on Poya days to recite the sutra of the confessional. It is said that it took six years for the construction of the building. But the building was destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa. Roof structures were mostly wooden and have either rotted away or been taken for other buildings or firewood.
A Park in the pre-Christian era of Sri Lanka, Ranmasu Uyana is a sculpted rock-carved for bathing purposes during the days’ monarchy. Anuradhapura is the heritage capital of Sri Lanka hosts structures with intricate stone carvings and excellent craftsmanship. The Ranmasu Uyana was one among them.
But it is something that way ahead of its time. The science astronomy that went behind its construction continues to puzzle experts. It is in the old town near the Isurumuniya Vihara and Tissawewa, while the name translates to “Goldfish Park”. This garden of 40 acres is widely appreciated for its state-of-the-art Hydraulics system, which is the first of its kind. It uses the right pressure to get water from the Tissa tank and pump it into the swimming pools of the garden. The garden features beautiful plants, trees, vines and flowering shrubs. Ranmasu Uyana rightly panders to Sinhalese literature. It symbolizes beauty and elegance.
According to the old books, Bathing pools and gardens were iconic to the Sri Lankan lifestyle. Another important feature of Ranmasu Uyana is the infamous stargate – one of the first few stargates in the world after Peru and Egypt. A star gate in the olden days was seen as a connection or gateway between humans and extraterrestrials. What better than Sri Lanka to contribute to history, physics and astronomy too! The Magul Uyana is a multipurpose convention that houses everything one needs to visit in Anuradhapura under one complex – pools, Buddhist temples, stupas, gardens and the ruins of war.
History – Prince Vijaya founded the Sinhala race; his follower Anuradha was the first one to settle in the Sinhalese lands which lead to the name, Anuradhapura. King Pandukabhaya made Anuradhapura the capital city of Ceylon and developed the city to include hospitals, hostels, Jain temples, water reservoirs and cemeteries. It was later that King Devanampiya Tissa encountered Buddhist monk aka Son of King Ashoka, Mahinda which led to the outbreak of Buddhism in the country. More establishments in the city were monasteries and the royal gardens – Magul Uyana. Legend has it that it was in this Royal Park that King Dutugemunu’s only son Prince Saliya met Asokamala and gave up the throne out of love for her.
Architecture of Ranmasu Uyana – Ranmasu Uyana was way ahead of its times, and it is a one-of-a-kind facility that served as recreation, a reservoir of sorts and an irrigation facility for the rice fields in Isurumuniya. The sculpted bating pond sees inscriptions that explain its origin and purpose. The real wonder, however, is the stargate hidden amongst caves and rock boulders. It gives away vibes of Game of Thrones owing to the rugged surroundings and ancient stonework. The stargate is believed to be accessed only by four individuals in history and the chart that is inscribed shows evidence of their living. The similarities of the stargate and the location next to a waterbody ring to mind Peru and Egypt’s stargate. It is believed that Ranmasu Uyana was a ‘gold processing Centre of extraterrestrials and that it was with their knowledge that Ranmasu Uyana was developed.
