Jaya Sri
Maha Bodhia
Jaya Sri
Maha Bodhia is the right (Southern) branch of the sacred Bodhi tree where
Buddha attained enlightenment. The Emperor Ashoka sent
this sacred monument to Sri Lanka. This was brought to Sri Lanka by “Sangamitta Thera”
in 3rd century B.C. The Bodhi branch was received with respect by the King
Devanampiyathissa and was planted in the terrace prepared for it in Mahameuna
garden Anuradhapura. This is treated as the oldest living tree in the world in
documented history and it is a place respected by Buddhist’s from all around
the world. Bikkhuni Sangamitta who
led a group of nuns to establish bikkhuni Sasana (order of nuns) in Sri Lanka
brought it on their arrival.
Ruwanweli
Stupa
Ruwanweliseya,
the most sacred stupa in Sri Lanka, built during the 2nd century
BC is a masterpiece gifted to Sri Lankans by King Dutugemunu, who is treated as
one of the most outstanding ancient Kings of Sri Lanka and this treated as one
of the greatest Stupas in the world. This magnificent huge Dagaba which is 103
meters in height and 287 meters in circumference was built in 2nd century B.C.
The original stupa has been about 180 feet (55 metres) in height and was
renovated by many kings. The stupa is 350 feet (107 metres) in height and 300
feet (92 metres) in diameter today. He was eager to finish the stupa during his
reign but towards its completion the king’s health began to decline and it
became clear that he would not live to see the finishing of the great stupa.
Realizing that the king was reaching his final moments, King Saddhatissa had white cloths stretched over the uncompleted
part of the stupa and carried the king near the stupa. The king was happy and
passed away thinking that it was completed. Later the unfinished part of the
stupa was completed by his brother King Saddhatissa.
Abhayagiri
Stupa
It
was made by King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya) in 103 B.C. founded this
large monastery Abhayagiriya and gave it to Mahathissa thera who had protected
the king when in adversity. Abhayagiriya is treated as the second highest
dagoba in Sri Lanka. Abhayagiri Vihara is the largest monastery complex in the
Anuradhapura kingdom. The monastery was founded in the second century BC by
king Walagamba, who was also known as Vattagamini Abhaya. The Abayagiri
monastery had become an international institution by the first century AD. Covering
an area of 200 hectares the monastery includes all of the components of a
Buddhist temple as well as other buildings. According to Chinese Buddhist monk
Fa-hsien (411-413 AD) who was a visitor and student of Abhagiri monastery,
there were almost 5000 monks residing at the monastery during his time as a
student at the monastery.
The
magnificent Twin Ponds - Kuttan Pokuna
Kuttan
Pokuna or Twin ponds are the most magnificent bathing ponds located at
Anuradhapura. These breathtaking beautiful ponds tell everyone how artistic and
the knowledge ancient Sri Lankan had in engineering
Aukana
Buddha Statue
Awkana
Statue is situated in Anuradhapura district 51 km southeast of Anuradhapura.
The 13 meter high statue is carved out of solid granite on a lotus pedestal.
This was built during the reign of King “Dathusena” in 5th century AD and this
is treated as one of the magnificent carved stature in Sri Lanka
Thuparamaya
Stupa
This
is the first stupa to be built in the country after the introduction of
Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Thuparama stupa is treated as the first historical
built stupa and this was a stupa as well as an
Aramic complex (monastery). Today
ruins of this complex covers nearly 3 ½ acres. It was built by
enshrining the right collarbone of the Buddha. Originally this stupa was in a
shape of a heap of paddy and later once the repairs were done it has the shape
of a water bubble.
The
Thuparama stupa is the first stupa (dagaba) built in Sri Lanka, after the
introduction of Buddhism during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The dagaba
was built at the request of Arhat Manihda Thero, and enshrins the collarbone of
the Load Buddha. It was built as a residential complex for monks; so it was
call “Stupa Arama” (Stupa Monastery) which later became Thuparama. It has
the shape similar to a heap of paddy.
The
Thuparama was destroyed and renovated over several centuries. The dagoba has a
diameter of 59 feet at the bases and the dome is 11 feet and 4 inches in
height. It is surrounded by a granite compound and 2 rows of stone
pillars. The stone columns around the dagoba were once supporting a ring shaped
roof structure which served to protect it.
Magnificent
stone carving of Isurumuniya Lovers
Isurumuniya
temple was built by King Devanampiyathissa. It is very popular for its rock
carving among them is the Isurumuniya lovers. It is believed that the figures
may represent son of Dutugemunu “Saliya” and the law caste maiden “Asokamala”
whom he loved. It’s known that he gave up the throne. King Kasyapa the
1st in 473-491 AD renovated this and named this as “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri
Radmaha Vehera”
Mihintale - Ambasthale
Mihinthale
is located about 8 miles east of Anuradhapura about 1000 feet high mountainous
range.place very popular among Buddhist as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
This was the place where Arahath Mahinda thera met King Devanampiyathissa. It
is stated that King Devanampiyathissa constructed a Vihara
Jetavanarama
Stupa
Jethavana
stupa which is 121 meters in height was built by King Mahasena in 3rd century
A.D. This massive brick structure is treated as the largest and tallest brick
built structure in the world. This is the Jethawanaramaya, the tallest Dagaba
on the Planet, built by King Mahasen (Mahasena) during the 3rd century
AD. It was built in the centre of Jethawana monastery, which had a residence of
3000 monks. It was dedicated to the monks of Sagalaika Nikaya (Sagalika
chapter.)
Mirisawetiya
stupa
Mirisaveti Stupa was
built in 2nd century B.C. by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.
Currently this stupa is partial decayed and under construction by the Cultural
Triangle. t is believed that King Dutugemunu had
a scepter that contained a scared relic of the Lord Buddha. One day When
the great king Dutugamunu was going to the water festival at the Tissawewa, after his
consecration he left his sceptre (kunta) which had a scared relic of Buddha
inside, on this location. When he returned the kunta was stuck and nobody could
remove it. So the king seeing this miracle constructed a Dagaba here. Declaring it a miracle, the King
decided to build the stupa to enclose the scepter. It is also said that the
King built this as an apology after forgetting to offer a chilly curry to the
Sangha in an almsgiving. Mirisavatiya Dagaba has been built by King
Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex.
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