Anuradhapura ancient city | BOL
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Anuradhapura is an ancient city located in the north central part of Sri Lanka, approximately 205 km from the capital city, Colombo. It was the capital of the Sri Lankan kingdom of Anuradhapura from the 5th century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD. Anuradhapura is in close proximity to other major historical sites such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Under the reign of Dutugemunu, it rose to become a major world city. Its rulers constructed enormous water tanks (i.e., reservoirs), which allowed the city to grow and flourish. You can see these water tanks throughout the city. Anuradhapura, the cradle of the Sinhalese civilization has considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The achievement that Sri Lankans were obtained in the fields of Agriculture, irrigation, arts, crafts, literature and high technical skills cannot be compared with any other civilizations in the world. In the meantime, Anuradhapura becomes the center of Theravada Buddhism in the world. A lot of foreign scholars have visited Anuradhapura and studied Buddhism in that period.
The city is known for its well-preserved ancient ruins, which include temples, monasteries, stupas, and other structures. The most famous of these is the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is said to be a cutting from the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is over 2,000 years old and is considered one of the oldest living trees in the world.
Other notable attractions in Anuradhapura include the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, the Abhayagiri vihara monastery, and the Jetavanaramaya stupa, which was once one of the tallest structures in the world. Anuradhapura is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding cultural and historical significance.
Anuradhapura is best visited from November to April. During this time, the days will be (moderately) cooler. You can visit year-round, however, after April it becomes very hot.
Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is among the largest stupas in Sri Lanka and one of the most prominent places to visit. Built around 140 B.C by King Dutugamunu, this beautiful stupa is nestled right in the heart of the heritage city of Anuradhapura. Also called Maha Stupa, Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha’s relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere. This adorned structure is over 338 feet tall and has large paved courts as well as platforms that all add a unique architectural touch to this magnificent structure.
Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree that is planted in the Mahamewna Garden. It is the closest authentic living link to Gautham Buddha. Records have it as the oldest human planted tree in the world with a known planted date and a recorded history. It is believed that it has been brought from the very same place where Gautham Buddha had attained enlightenment, this branch was ceremoniously presented to Devanampiya Tissa, one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka whose reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism. In 288 BC, Tissa planted the branch of the Bodhi tree in his Royal Park in Anuradhapura.The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, as it became known, has since been cared for and protected by Buddhist monks and dedicated kings.
Jetavanaramaya
The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa located in the ruins of Jetavana. King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301 BC) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of the Mahavihara. His son Meghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa. This was later renovated by King Parakramabahu. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here. At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world’s tallest stupa. Now days there are other stupas taller than Jetavanaramaya but still it is the largest. The structure is significant in the island’s history as it represents the tensions within the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism.
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is the earliest documented Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Its building dates 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 to be constructed on the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247–207 BC).[The temple has been recognised by the Government and listed as a protected archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
Samadhi Statue
The Samadhi Buddha is a famous statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment. Statue is considered one of the greatest works of sculptural art of the early period of Anuradhapura era. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height.
Abhayagiri Stupa
Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. It is recorded in the chronicle that Abhayagiri Dagaba was established by King Valagamba during the period of his second reign, from 89–77 B.C.E. The name of this place literally translates into the ‘Fearless Hill’ or ‘Hill of Protection’. You will find a slab with Buddha’s footprint and some moonstones.
Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank). It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) who ruled in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. King Kasyapa I (473–491 AD) again renovated this viharaya. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family. The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is presently identified as the Isurumuni Vihara. A few yards away from this vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana.
Tissa Wewa
Tissa Wewa, an artificial reservoir, was built by Devanampiya Tissa in 3rd century B.C in order to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura. The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 2 miles long and 25 feet high.
Mirisawetiya
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. It is rumored that the King once forgot to offer a pod of chillie to the Monks before eating . As a token of apology, it is said that the King as a punishment to him built this and named the Stupa Mirisawetiya.
Wessagiriya
Vesagiriya is another ancient site located on old Kurunegala road and very close to the city of Anuradhapura. This is known as the ancient Isurumuni Viharaya where the Arahants lived.Chronicle details reveal that one of the first eight saplings of the Sri Maha Bhodi tree has been planted here. King Vasabha (62–109 A.D) has built a chapter house at this place and King Voharika Tissa (214–236 A.D.) has built a wall around the monastery.History of Wessagiriya lies on between second century B.C. and 600 century A.D.
Mihintale
Mihintale is a mountain peak which is about 1,000 feet (300 m) in height near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda from India and King Devanampiyatissa (3rd century BC) who ruled Anurdhapura which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It date back to the third century BCE to the 10th century CE. During this time, the kingdom of Anuradhapura was flourishing.
It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
Avukana Buddha statue
Avukana Buddha statue is a standing monolith Buddha statue situated in village Avukana Kekirawa, Anuradhapura. It is about 14m (46ft) tall. You have to drive from 48 kilometers from Anuradhapura main site. It depicts Buddha with hand raised in Abhaya Mudra. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue built in Sri Lanka.Avukana Buddha statue is believed to be constructed around 5th — 8th century. The statue has its Amaravati school art style and its belived to be made at the behest of King Dhatusena.
