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| Photo by Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe |
**Anuradhapura **
-**Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Situated on the banks of the traditional Malwathu Oya, the city is situated in the North Central Province, 205 kilometers (127 miles) north of the present-day capital of Colombo. The city's well-preserved ancient Sinhalese civilisation ruins have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Mahāvaṃsa places the founding of the city in 437 BCE, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it a major human settlement on the island for almost three millennia and one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Asia.following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara .
-** Anuradhapura was also the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage site with ruins of many ancient Buddhist temples, including the famous Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest still-living, documented, planted tree. The city was mostly destroyed and largely deserted after 993 CE, with the Chola invasion from South India. The revival of the current city began in earnest in the 1870s. The city is the headquarters of Sri Lanka's archeological survey, and tourism is a significant factor in its economy.
-**Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya**
-**Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historical sacred bo tree (Ficus religiosa) in the Mahamewuna Garden in historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This is believed to be a tree grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the historical sacred bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, which was destroyed during the time of Emperor Ashoka the Great, at Buddha Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained Enlightenment. The Buddhist nun Sangamitta Maha Theri, a daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, in 236 BC, brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka during the reign of Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa. At more than 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date . The Mahavamsa, or the great chronicle of the Sinhalese, provides an elaborate account of the establishment of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi on the Island and the subsequent development of the site as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
-**In 236 BC, the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta Maha Theri, daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, brought the Bodhi to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. It marked the beginning of a sacred lineage that lasted more than 2,300 years. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. Today, the tree stands on a raised terrace about 6.5 meters above the ground, surrounded by four lower level terraces with other bo trees called “Parivara Bodhis” planted for its protection. This is meticulously guarded by the Atamasthan Swami Vahase and the Atamasthan Governing Council, the administrative body that oversees the Atamasthan. Every year many devotees come and engage in worship and reverent activities.
-**While the lower terrace is open to visitors, access to the upper terrace where the Bodhisattva resides is restricted due to the various vandalisms it has suffered throughout its history. In 1985, 146 pilgrims were tragically killed in an LTTE terrorist attack.The Mahavamsa, the great annals of the Sinhalese, provides a detailed account of the establishment of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi on the island and its development as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The tree remains a symbol of enlightenment, resilience and spiritual integrity.
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| Photo by Rathna Deepaya on Unsplash |
**Ruwanwelisaya **
-**Also known as the Maha Thupa is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere. It was built by Sinhalese King Dutugemunu in c. 140 B.C., who became king of Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elāra (Ellalan) was defeated. It is also known as Swarnamali Seya, Svaṇṇamāli Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Seya. Ruwanwelisaya is 103 meters (338 feet) tall and 290 meters (951 feet) in circumference. It was originally around 55 meters (180 feet) high, but over the ages, several kings made renovations to it.
-**An old chronicle called the Mahavamsa provides a thorough description of the stupa's building and dedication ceremonies. However, by the 19th century, the stupa was covered by jungle. Thanks to the efforts of a monk, it was restored again in the early 20th century.Buddha’s Relic: The stupa enshrines two quarts (or one Dona) of the Buddha’s relics, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere. The Mahavamsa describes how King Dutthagamani received these relics from the Sangha and, in a great ceremony, placed them in a casket on top of his head. Across millennia, the Ruwanwelisaya has stood as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual continuity, inspiring wonder and veneration.
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| Image by Dilan Sanjaya from Pixabay |
**Thuparamaya**
-**Thuparamaya is the earliest documented Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Its construction dates back to the arrival of Mahinda Thera and the introduction of Buddhism to the island. Located within the sacred precinct of Mahamewna Park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba (stupa) to be built on the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC). The name Thuparamaya combines “stupa” and “aramaya,” which refers to a residential complex for monks. This temple is closely linked to Mahinda Thera, the envoy sent by King Ashoka to Sri Lanka, bringing Theravada Buddhism and Chaitya worship to the island. At Mahinda’s request, King Devanampiya Tissa built Thuparamaya to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha, making it the claimant to being the first stupa built in Sri Lanka. It also marks the formal arrival of Buddhism on the island.
-**The Thuparamaya dagoba was originally built in the shape of a bell. Over time, it was destroyed and later fully restored by royal edict during the reign of King Aggabodhi II. The current construction of the dagoba dates to its rebuilding in 1842. As of the 21st century, after repeated renovations over centuries, the monument has a diameter of 59 feet (18 meters) at the base. The dome is raised on a plinth 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 meters) off the ground, and the entire structure has a diameter of 50.1 meters. Granite pavement lines the courtyard, and fragments of the roofed vatadage (a circular relic dwelling) that formerly encircled Thuparamaya1 may be seen. The right collarbone of Buddha is kept at Thuparamaya, which is now a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. Awe and devotion are still sparked by its architectural beauty and historical significance.
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| Image by Rathna Deepaya from Pixabay |
**Lovamahapaya**
-**Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles.
-**Lovamahapaya is a quadrilateral palace with nine stories and a copper roof, built by King Dutugamunu in the 2nd century BC.The famous Lohaprasada built by King Dutugemunu, described as an edifice of nine stories, was a building of this class. One side of the building was 400 ft (120 m) in length. There are 40 rows, each row consisting of 40 stone pillars, for a total of 1600 pillars. It is said that Lovamahapaya was adorned with corals and precious stones.I t is believed that it took six years for the construction of the building and the plan was brought from the heavens. The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa It was a center of Buddhist learning and a symbol of royal power, but it was destroyed and rebuilt several times by different kings and invaders.
-**Even today, the small structure behind the 40 stone pillars acts as the chapter house (uposatha) for the Maha Vihara. One of the most prominent Buddhist temples in the whole of the island, the Lovamahapaya in Anuradhapura is a great place to understand the culture of the island.
**Abhayagiri Vihāra**
-**Abhayagiri Vihāra, also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya, was a major monastery site of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It remains one of the most extensive ruins in the world and holds a significant place as one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation.Historically, Abhayagiri Vihāra was not only a great monastic center but also a royal capital. Its magnificent monasteries rose to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. The complex was encircled by great walls, containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades, and moonstones. Among the seventeen religious units in Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri was the largest of its five major viharas.
-**The focal point of the complex is the ancient Abhayagiri Dagaba, an impressive stupa. Surrounding this humped dagoba, Abhayagiri Vihara was the seat of the Northern Monastery (or Uttara Vihara) and the original custodian of the Tooth relic on the island. The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” refers not only to the complex of monastic buildings but also to a fraternity of Buddhist monks (or Sangha), which maintained its own historical records, traditions, and way of life. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Abhayagiri Vihāra grew into an international institution by the 1st century AD. It attracted scholars from distant locations and encompassed all shades of Buddhist philosophy. Its influence extended to other parts of the world through branches established elsewhere. Thus, Abhayagiri Vihara developed as a great institution vis-à-vis the Mahavihara and the Jetavanavihara Buddhist monastic sects in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.
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| Image by vined mind from Pixabay |
**Mirisawetiya Vihara**
-**The Mirisaweti Stupa is a memorial building, a stupa, situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha's relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath, he returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook in a chilly curry without offering it to the Sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated.
-**Historically, Mirisawetiya was not only a great monastic center but also a royal capital. Its magnificent monasteries rose to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. The complex was encircled by great walls, containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades, and moonstones. Among the seventeen religious units in Anuradhapura, Mirisawetiya was the largest of its five major viharas. The focal point of the complex is the ancient Abhayagiri Dagaba, an impressive stupa. Surrounding this humped dagoba, Mirisawetiya was the seat of the Northern Monastery (or Uttara Vihara) and the original custodian of the Tooth relic on the island. The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” refers not only to the complex of monastic buildings but also to a fraternity of Buddhist monks (or Sangha), which maintained its own historical records, traditions, and way of life.
-**Founded in the 2nd century BC, Mirisawetiya grew into an international institution by the 1st century AD. It attracted scholars from distant locations and encompassed all shades of Buddhist philosophy. Its influence extended to other parts of the world through branches established elsewhere. Thus, Mirisawetiya developed as a great institution vis-à-vis the Mahavihara and the Jetavanavihara Buddhist monastic sects in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.
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| Image by Ama Dam Vila from Pixabay |
**Abhaya Wewa**
-**Abhaya Wewa, historically known as Abhayavapi or Bassawakkulama reservoir, is a reservoir in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Pandukabhaya during his reign from 437 BC to 367 BC after constructing the city of Anuradhapura. The reservoir was constructed in 380 BC and has a dam that stands 10 meters high. The water from the reservoir also accumulates in the Giritale and Kantalai areas. Currently, the reservoir covers an area of approximately 255 acres. The embankment of the reservoir is about 5,910 feet long and 22 feet high above the sill level of the sluice
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| Image by Rathna Deepaya from Pixabay |
**Ranmasu Uyana**
-**Ranmasu Uyana is a park in Sri Lanka containing the ancient Magul Uyana (Royal Gardens). It is situated close to Isurumuni Vihara and Tissa Wewa in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It sits on approximately 40 acres (16 ha), and is a noted example of Sri Lankan garden architecture of the pre-Christian era. According to an inscription found in Vessagiriya, the water to the park was supplied by Tessa Wewa and then released to rice fields around Isurumuni Vihara.
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| Image by Ama Dam Vila from Pixabay |
**Isurumuniya**
-**The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is presently identified as the Isurumuni Vihara. Isurumuniya stands as a testament to ancient devotion and artistic craftsmanship. This temple, built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC), holds several carvings of special interest: Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana.
**Kuttam Pokuna **
-**Kuttam Pokuna are well preserved old bathing tanks or ponds in Sri Lanka. This pair of ponds was built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They form part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and are an example of the works in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and art of the ancient Sinhalese. Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the Twin Ponds, is a remarkable example of ancient hydrological engineering and architectural art in Sri Lanka. Kuttam Pokuna consists of two rectangular ponds, meticulously constructed by the ancient Sinhalese.
-**On a map of the Abhayagiri Vihāra complex, over thirty bodies of water can be counted. The Kuttam Pokuna is located on the eastern edge of the complex. Not much is known about the exact history of these ponds. They are generally believed to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I of Anuradhapura (575-608). However , some sources suggest that they were constructed in the eighth or ninth century. Architecture: The larger southern pond measures 40 meters by 16 meters, while the smaller northern pond is 28 meters by 16 meters. Both ponds have depths of 4.3 meters (smaller pond) and 5.5 meters (larger pond). The space between the surrounding walls and the two ponds is 18 feet. Flight of stairs on the northern and southern ends of the ponds allow access to the bottom, and the stairs are adorned with decorative elements such as punkalas (pots of abundance) and scroll designs.
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| Image by vined mind from Pixabay |
**Mihintale**
-**Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
-**Mihintale is believed to be the place where Thera Mahinda, a Buddhist monk, met King Devanampiyatissa. This meeting, which took place on the full moon day of the month of Poson (June), marked the inauguration of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Thera Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, played a pivotal role in spreading the message of peace instead of war. Inspired by a peaceful monk named Nigrodha, King Ashoka embraced Buddhism and sent his son Mahinda to the island of Lanka (also known as “Sinhalé”). In Sinhala, “Mihin Thalé” literally means the “plateau of Mihindu.” Legend has it that Arahat Mihindu called King Devanampiyatissa by his name from this plateau to prevent him from shooting a deer. Large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale, and King Devanampiyatissa built a vihara and 68 caves for bhikkhus to reside in.
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| Photo by Rathna Deepaya on Unsplash |
**Sela Cetiya**
-**Located in Sri Lanka near the Mihintale Royal Rock Temple, the Sela Cetiya, also called the Ambastala Dagaba, is a noteworthy stupa. It is regarded as one of the 16 primary sites of worship, or Solosmasthana, and is one of the five stupas located on the temple grounds. On the site where Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa , the stupa is thought to have been built by King Mahadatika Mahanaga. Because of the historical significance of this gathering , Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. The Buddha is also connected to the Sela Cetiya; it is stated that the Buddha made this stop during his third trip to Sri Lanka. The stupa was built to enshrine the Buddha’s hair relic, known as the Urna Roma, located between the eyebrows.
-**In the 2nd or 3rd century, the stupa was converted to a Vatadage style, a unique architectural feature of ancient Sri Lanka. Most of the pillars from the original wooden roof still stand today. The Sela Cetiya is the first relic encountered upon reaching the upper terrace of the Mihintale Complex, after ascending the 1,840 steps of the ancient monastery. Its historical and religious significance makes it a key feature of the Mihintale Royal Rock Temple.