Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, dates back to the 4th century BC and is revered as the birthplace of Buddhism on the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its impressive collection of temples, stupas, statues, and ancient stoneworks. It boasts a rich tapestry of history with ruins of monasteries, palaces, and an intricate network of reservoirs and waterways. As a pivotal part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapura is home to the world’s most sacred tree, making it not only an archaeological marvel but also the spiritual heart of Sri Lankan civilization
Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
The sacred fig tree known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is situated in the Mahamewna Gardens in the historic center of Anuradhapura. It is extremely significant from a religious standpoint.
It is thought to be a young tree that sprouted from the original Bodhi tree in India, where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment. It is also thought to be the oldest tree in the world with over 2,250 years of documented history.
Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya
The historic Buddhist monastery Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya monastery is well-known for its prehistoric rock carvings, which include the well-known Isurumuniya Lovers’ Carving.
The temple complex has several calm ponds, exquisite statuary, and is partially carved out of a massive boulder. For Buddhists, the temple is very important religiously in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
Abhayagiriya Stupa
This majestic 75-meter-tall main stupa of the Abhayagiri Monastery is built completely of bricks.It was abandoned to ruin after generations of damage, eroding and progressively growing more overgrown. To preserve and fix the stupa, however, a significant restoration project was started in the 1980s and 1990s.
The repair work was done without the use of cement, in keeping with the original construction process.
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
Anuradhapura is situated in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. This region has experienced droughts throughout its entire documented history.
The water problems were creatively solved by the city’s ancient engineers through design and construction. In order to gather and preserve drinking water for use in times of shortage, they excavated two large reservoirs side by side.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
A massive ancient stupa, also known as a “dagoba,” the Ruwanweli Maha Seya is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Additionally, it’s one of the biggest stupas in the nation.
Constructed circa 2nd century BC, the imposing dome has a height of almost 91 meters. It is visible from all throughout the city and is painted a striking white.
Jetavanaramaya
One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Anuradhapura is Jetavanaramaya. It serves as the Jethawanaramaya Monastery Complex’s central feature.
King Mahasena constructed the imposing stupa in the third century AD, which at one point stood as the highest structure on Earth.
It was also the third-largest building in the world when it was constructed (after the two Pyramids of Giza in Egypt). It is thought to be the highest stupa ever constructed, with more than 93 million bricks!
Samadhi Statue
Over Sri Lanka, there are innumerable statues of the Buddha. Nonetheless, one of the most well-known and significant is the Anuradhapura Samadhi Buddha Statue.
Standing seven feet tall, this exquisite sculpture shows Lord Buddha sitting cross-legged and in deep meditation.
It was carved somewhere in the fifth century AD and is housed inside the Abhayagiri Monastery complex.
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
Once, a nine-story structure known as the Lovamahapaya (or Brazen Palace) was constructed for monks. The Lovamahapaya was believed to be the highest structure on the island of Sri Lanka when it was constructed, sometime in the second century BC.Assembly halls, residences, and a “image house” with Buddha statues and images were among the uses assigned to each floor.
