Tiny Mihintale is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was here in the 3rd century BC. the first Buddhist monastery appeared and the missionary activity of Mahinda began - in honor of him, Mount Mikhintale is also called Mount Mahinda.
Over time, the monastery grew, gained influence, and until the 13th century was the third largest monastery complex in Sri Lanka. For centuries, stupas have been erected here (there were more than 60), and some are quite large.
Today Mihintale is rightly considered sacred and visited by pilgrims. This is a working temple: a calm and majestic place, numerous stupas and other ancient structures discreetly, but perfectly fit into the landscape. In one of the oldest stupas there are the remains of Mahinda, on the mountain there is also a large statue of Buddha.
Coordinates: 8.35027500,80.51811200
Bo tree
The Bo tree (or sacred ficus) is one of the oldest trees in the world. It is difficult to imagine its age - 23 centuries. The centuries-old mass grew from a seedling taken from a tree in Budha Goya, Nepal, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. For this reason, of course, the tree is a kind of shrine for all followers of Buddhism.
The scion was brought from Nepal to the island in the 3rd century BC by the nun Sangamitta, daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, and found its place in the royal park of Anuradhapura.
It would seem that such an old tree should be very large. But the sacred Bo itself is small, its venerable old age is supported by special props. But the neighboring protective tree is impressively huge.
As befits a shrine, Bo's tree surrounded by a golden fence is carefully guarded. You can't just approach him like that. But after passing the protective cordons, near the tree you can freeze in awe and, if you're lucky, pick up a fallen leaf as a keepsake of the pilgrimage.
Coordinates: 8.34433100,80.39734800
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Jetavanarama stupa
Jetavanarama is a unique monastery complex created by King Mahasena in 276-303. During the dawn of the monastery, about 3000 monks were housed on its territory, which occupied an area of 48 hectares. On the central platform of the complex is the Jetavana Stupa, which rises to 120 m and is the tallest brick structure ever built by man. In the IV century AD, during the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Jetavanarama stupa was the third largest structure in the world, second only to the pyramids of Chephren and Cheops in Giza. The structure has massive brickwork, which goes down to 14 meters in depth, so that the weight of the monument falls entirely on the bedrock.
Another uniqueness of the stupa is that it is a perfect circle and contains particles of the physical remains of the Buddha. The site where the structure stands was known in antiquity as the Nandana Gardens. It was here that Arahat Mahinda read a sermon for 7000 people for 7 days. "Jetavanarama stupa" was erected over the imprint of the foot of the Buddha, 93,300,000 bricks were used for its construction.
Coordinates: 8.35176200,80.40372100
The Museum of Money at the Central Bank with its collections can compete with the historical museum, because it is in the coins of its kingdoms that the history of Sri Lanka is reflected. Here you can trace all the stages of the country's development from colonial times, when the territory was under the rule of first Portugal, and then Holland and Britain, to the present day. The exhibits of the collections of the money museum are recognized as the oldest in the region.
The museum was established in April 1982 to house the complete collection of the country's numismatics. But over time, the exhibits became more and more, they covered wider time periods and the collection was divided into four thematic expositions: "Ancient period", "Medieval period", "Colonial period" and "The period of independence since the creation of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ".
In the first two, you can find the oldest coins that were in circulation in Sri Lanka. They were called Kahapana and date back to the 3rd century BC. They were of the most varied forms and were made mainly of silver. The kahavanu gold coins did not appear on the island until four centuries later. The first foreign coins appeared with the development of navigation and trade. On the territory of Sri Lanka, many coins of Greek, Indo-Greek, Roman, Chinese and Arab origin have been found.
Coordinates: 6.93427600,79.84226900
Twin Pools Kutam Pokuna
The Kutam Pokuna pools (twin pools) are ancient pools of the Ancient World of great hydrological, engineering, architectural and artistic value. The pools were intended for the bathing of Buddhist monks.
The pools were built in the 8th century in the kingdom of Andradhapura. In fact, the pools are not twins, because the first is 28 meters long, and the second is 40 meters.
The pools are carved from granite slabs that cover the bottom and walls. They are also led by stepped walls in the form of shelves, on which, when bathing, the monks put pots for ablution and other objects.
The pools are distinguished by a unique water purification system: before entering the pool, the water passes through a series of depressions next to the structure, and all the mud settles at the bottom. The pools are connected to each other by means of a pipeline.
Coordinates: 8.37110200,80.40159700
Abhayagiri stupa
The stupa in Anuradhapura is the second tallest building in the Ancient World, built in the 1st century BC by King Watt Gamini Abhaya. The height of the stupa is over 112 meters.
In front of the entrance to the stupa, there are two stone statues, which are considered the guardians of the god Kuvera. The name of the stupa consists of two names - the name of King Abhay and the name of Jain, known as Giri. The stupa houses an interesting library of the Ancient World, which even foreign scholars interested in studying Buddhism tend to visit.
It is believed that the stupa is decorated with gold, silver and precious stones.
Near the stupa, a monastery of the same name was built, in which 5,000 monks once lived. They worshiped a statue of Buddha made of green jade.
Coordinates: 8.37101700,80.39550300
The most popular attractions in Anuradhapura with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Anuradhapura on our website.
Hi friends. We talked about the ancient first capital of Sri Lanka. But it's not enough to tell - you always want to know what is interesting to see and where to look in a new place. This is the old town, which is an unusual place. On the one hand, it is an archaeological area, on the other, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Buddhists. Numerous tourists keep up with the believers. What is here? All the main attractions of Anuradhapura. We will talk about them today.
I will say right away the territory of the old city is huge, if you want to see everything, you should take a tuk-tuk and move around on it. The drivers know where it is better to drive up to drop you off, where you can park without a fine, where to meet us. It's comfortable. We did just that. After a little bargaining (this must be done), we agreed, it seems, for 10 dollars and drove off.
As you can see, the main, fully restored objects of the old city are:
- Isuruminia rock monastery
- Bodhi temple and tree
- Museum
- Stupas
But of course, there are more interesting objects. Old Anuradhapura is a huge area of about 20 by 20 km. Walking is not to be avoided. But since the sights of Anuradhapura belong to the Sinhalese Buddhist culture, there is much that we do not understand. Well Dagoba and Dagoba, I saw one - you know everything. However, it was interesting for us, including observing people. For believers, everything here is full of meaning.
In the IV century BC. Buddhism came to the island. At the same time, a branch of the Bo tree appeared here.
Isurumuniya Vihara
English. Isurumuniya Vihara (Originally Meghagiri Vihara)
The territory of the old town begins here. In 1950, all residents from this territory were relocated to the New Town.
The rock palace was built in 307-267 BC. for 500 upper-class monk boys. Located in the rocks, next to Lake Tissa. Transferred to the disposal of the community of monks. Isurumuniya Temple was one of the buildings of the largest monastery in Anuradhapura.
Here are:
- two temples - old and new
Buddha statues
- mortar
- Lake Tissa
- sculptures
- Museum
Bodhi tree
Full name: Mahabodhi tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi)
One of the most famous Buddhist shrines around the world. The Bodhi Tree, or simply, the Bo Tree is very old, it is 2250 years old. It is grown from a branch of a tree (ficus) in the city of Bodh Gaya, under which Prince Gautami became a Buddha who attained enlightenment.
In the 19th century, the main trunk of the Mahabodhi tree in Anuradhapura was cut down by an English fanatic, but a small trunk remained, which is now revered and held by golden props.
The monks who care for the tree take young shoots and grow new trees. There are many Bodhi trees in the temple grounds.
Bronze Palace (Loja Pasada)
Another name is Lovamahapaya. The palace is next to the sacred tree. Built for monks.
This amazing structure is 2000 years old. It was built under the legendary ruler of Anuradhapura Dutugamuna.
Everyone writes that the temple has 9 floors, but I have no idea how high they should be if the height of the entire temple is 4 meters. The temple has over 1000 rooms. Now we are unlikely to see them. 1600 columns are located along the perimeter. Here it is - please. True, while the columns are concrete, the view is strange, but it is impressive. Once upon a time, the columns were decorated with silver slabs.
The roof resembles a pyramid in shape, its vaults were decorated with copper tiles to make it shine in the sun.
Legend says that the exterior of the building is taken from the vision of the monks.
A group of monks saw the temple while meditating. They sketched what they saw with red arsenic and brought the drawing to the king.
The first temple was built of wood and burned down during one of the fires. Today only mentions of him and the columns remain.
Around the Bodhi tree is the historical territory of Anuradhapura. Long Alley - The ancient city street runs from the Bo tree temple.
Along it there are huge religious buildings, shaped like a bell. These are dagobas or stupas.
Dagoba or Stupa is a Buddhist architectural and sculptural monolithic monumental and cult structure with hemispherical outlines. Initially, the stupa was a reliquary, and then became a monument erected in honor of some event in Buddhism. Historically, it goes back to the burial mounds, built for the burial of kings or leaders. Wikipedia
Mirisaveti Dagoba
English. Mirisaweti Stupa
Legend tells: King Dutugamunu with his harem went to Lake Tissa, where the Water Festival was held. He stuck his staff (scepter) into the soft earth, in which a relic was hidden (most likely a piece of Buddha's bone).
After a while, in preparation for his return to the palace, the king discovered that neither he nor anyone from his retinue could pull the staff out of the ground - it took root and grew into the ground. Dutugamunu regarded this as a sign from above - the relic should remain in this place, and decided to build a dagoba over the staff.
Mirisaveti
The construction of the facility took 3 years. In the 10th century, the stupa was rebuilt.
You already understood that inside each stupa there is a reliquary in which some kind of shrine is kept. It can be a piece of Buddha's bone, his alms bowl, belt, even a trace or. Dagoba can be a monument to the event.
English. Ruwanwelisaya stupa
To inspect the next stupa, you need to go to the Basavakkulam reservoir.
Ruvanveli Dagoba was built in the 2nd - 1st centuries AD.
The most famous building of King Dutugemunu. It is also called the White Stupa or Mahatupa, which means "the great stupa."
A bowl of Buddha for alms is kept in a stupa.
The structure is huge. It covers an area of 120 hectares.
At present, its height is more than 90 meters, and its diameter at the base is 91 meters.
And this is how the stupa looks like on a holiday:
We have watched the decoration take place. This can be seen in the photo report.
Ruvanveli Stupa pedestal
The foundation of the stupa is made of golden gravel. It is placed on a pedestal. It looks impressive, solemn and mysterious - there are 400 elephants on the pedestal. The symbolic and cosmogonic meaning is that the World stands on Elephants.
Elephants participated in the construction of the Ruvanveli Dagoba. Each leg of the elephant was tied with a leather cloth.
The king personally supervised the work. He watched as the relic chamber for the Buddha's bowl was created and watched as the bowl was hidden inside.
During construction, delegations from various parts of India came to the stupa, 30,000 monks from Alexandria (in the Caucasus), led by the Indo-Greek monk Mahadharmaraksita.
In 1839, the Dagoba was rebuilt.
Sanctuary
Near Ruvanveli there is a sanctuary with 5 statues telling about the Buddha's incarnations. Pay special attention to one of them. This is a statue of a meditating Buddha. She is believed to be the portrait of King Dutugamunu. (I talked about Datugumunu quite a lot in the previous article).
Nearby is a miniature copy of the entire sanctuary.
Legend of the mortar and death of Dutugamunu
King Dutugamunu did not see the completion of the work - the complex was completed after his death by the son of the king. But the Sri Lankans tell a touching story about the last hours of Dutugamunu's life.
Ruvanveli Stupa is the king's favorite child. He dreamed of seeing the building complete, but his health was getting worse and the king held out with the last bit of strength. Feeling an imminent death, he hurried his brother, who was now in charge of the construction. And my brother said that there was not much left, although unexpected difficulties delayed the completion of the construction.
Seeing that the king was dying, and wishing to make him happy, the brother told the good news that the stupa was ready. The king was so inspired that strength returned to him for a while and he decided to see the creation before his death.
The palanquin with the king was moving to the dagobah, on the way the king met his old friend, who now became a monk. They talked about the mortality of elderly men and the fact that the rulers immediately after death are reborn in the celestial sphere of Tushita.
The king died happy, never knowing that his brother Tissa was cheating: knowing that the king's vision had become very weak, his brother pulled the purest white cloth over the frame. Dutugamunu was sure that the stupa was completed.
In fact, it was only half completed.
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Jetavana Dagoba
English. Jethawanaramaya dagoba
If you leave the complex and go through the Jetavanarama monastery, you will see another huge stupa.
This is Jetavana Dagoba - the tallest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built in the 3rd century BC. in the place where the gardens of Nandana were. Here for seven days the son of King Ashoka - prince Arahat Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka, read a sermon.
Jetavana is the modified Indian word for Jyotivana. It translates as "the place where the rays of liberation shone."
Each stupa contains some kind of shrine. Inside this stupa is the belt of the Buddha.
Jetavana Dagoba is the tallest brick building in the world. Of the ancient structures, only two pyramids in Giza are higher than it.
The stupa was completely destroyed. Restoration work began only in 1981. Since then, the Dagoba has been open to pilgrims, and divine services have been held here.
If we consider the main historical document of the Sinhalese kingdom - the chronicles of Mahavasma, then we learn the details of the construction and features of this dagoba.
At the base it is a perfect circle with a diameter of 122 meters, which is difficult to do without special measuring tools.
It is known that the construction of this dagoba took about 90 million bricks.
Stupa thuparama
Angle. Thuparama Dagoba
The oldest dagoba of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century BC
Located next to Jetavana Dagoba. The oldest dagoba is Tuparama.
The first stupa signified that the king of Sri Lanka converted to Buddhism.
In the 19th century, it was faced with marble.
Abhayagiri dagoba
English. Abayagiri Dagoba. It is also called Abyagiri Dagoba.
In the north of the complex are the ruins of the Abhayagiri monastery. It was built specifically for the monks who were expelled from the main monastery.
The monks were declared heretics, but in fact they created the Mahayana Buddhist movement, more liberal than the main one.
Abyagiri Dagoba is the center of this movement.
This is what Abhayagiri Dagaba looked like recently.
There is another interesting dagoba inside the monastery.
At the time of its foundation (XII century), it was the second tallest in the Capital.
Tradition says that it was built right above the place where Buddha's foot touched the ground.
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pools)
There is a unique building on the territory of the Abyagiri monastery. These are twin pools, built by the craftsmen of the ancient capital.
The name should not confuse you, the pools are not identical. The length of one is 40 meters, the other is only 28 meters. But, this is not the main thing: the local water purification system is much more interesting, because the water in the pools is clear and clean.
The pools are considered to be an example of significant achievements in the field of hydro-engineering and architectural-artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese.
Before entering the reservoirs, water passes through a series of narrow underground channels, filtered by sand and earth, getting into the pool completely cleaned of dirt and debris.
For the pools, granite slabs were carved to include the bottom and sides of the pool. A wall has been built around the pool that encloses and secures the connection.
The entrance to the pool is decorated with a lion's head and an image of a snake, on the walls of the bowl of abundance.
In the pools themselves, real live turtles are splashing.
Finally, we want to give you some useful tips:
Show respect for someone else's religion. A famous scandal broke out in Anuradhapura a few years ago when our tourist was imprisoned. She wanted to take a commemorative photo in front of the sacred ancient statue of Buddha. They say she turned her back, but I think there was something more serious.
This is the sculpture of Buddha.
- Dagoba needs to be bypassed in a certain direction - clockwise. This is a ritual bypass that is in keeping with the culture of Buddhism.
By the way, in Hinduism it is customary to make a detour also - clockwise. It is believed that witches and sorcerers, for the sake of their black deeds, go counterclockwise.
- To visit any religious places in Sri Lanka, we recommend dressing modestly, in accordance with Buddhist requirements: legs are covered (not shorts), shoulders are covered (not a shirt).
- Take off your shoes in front of the temple and leave them in a designated place, or put them in a bag and carry them with you.
- Enter the temple barefoot. If the stoves are very cold or vice versa - hot in the sun, walk in socks, but no shoes.
- When sightseeing far from noise and roads, be careful: there may be snakes and monitor lizards in the grass.
Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Joseph Clerici, Flick
Modern Anuradhapura consists of two parts - the Old City and the New City. The old city is essentially a huge historical park with ancient ruins of city palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, monasteries and dagobas and stupas. Hotels, guesthouses, shops and restaurants are located mostly in the new city.
Allocate at least one full day to Anuradhapura Old Town
why go
Don't miss in Anuradhapura
- Rent a bike to explore the magnificent Old Town of Anuradhapura.
- Watch beautiful ceremonies near the ancient sacred Bodhi tree, around which the second most sacred temple of Sri Lanka - Bodhi Tree Temple was built.
- Don't miss the magnificent dagobas (Buddhist stupas): Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya and Jetawanarama.
- Walk around the ancient Abhayagiri Monastery, located in the northern part of the city, and admire the royal gardens and original architecture of the rock-built Isurumuniya Temple in the south of the city.
- Make a day trip to Mihintala, one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka.
Bodhi tree
The Bodhi tree is perhaps one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism. According to legend, under the Bodhi tree in the Indian town of Bodg Haya, Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment, therefore Bodhi trees are cultivated in many Buddhist monasteries. The original tree has been destroyed. But again, according to legend, the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura was grown from the sprout of the original tree brought from India. Years later, on the site of the original felled tree in Bodg Haya, a new one was grown from the sprout of an Anuradhapur tree.
Given the legends and stories, it is not surprising that the temple built around the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is always crowded here, there are many pilgrims who regularly hold beautiful ceremonies.
Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Mario Feierstein, Flickr
Pilgrims to the Bodhi tree. Photo credit: David & Bonnie, Flickr
Dagoba Anuradhapura
Dagobas are ancient Buddhist stupas of the original form, inherent in ancient Sri Lankan architecture. At the base, the dagobas have the shape of a huge dome erected on a massive platform, which is crowned with a small pointed tower.
The four most important dagoba of Anuradhapura: Jetawanarama - the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya - the most sacred dagoba of the island, Ruwanwelisaya - a magnificent white dagoba, which is considered the most beautiful dagoba of the island and the most atmospheric dagoba of the island - Abhayagiri, located on the territory of the monastery of the same name.
Dagoba Abhayagiri. Photo credit: Chandana Witharanage, Flickr
Sun rays after heavy rainfall - Dagoba Thuparamaya. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr
Visit to the old city of Anuradhapura
The cost of visiting the Old Town and all sights is about $ 25, in terms of local currency. Tickets are sold at the Archaeological Museum. In Anuradhapura, there is no main entrance where tickets are bought and / or presented, there is also no wall between the old and the new city. In fact, you can walk around the old city and not meet checking tickets, but still we would recommend not to succumb to the temptation of "free cheese" and still buy tickets).
The best way to explore the old town is by bike. An alternative is to walk or rent a tuk-tuk. You can rent a bicycle or a tuk-tuk and take a card at any guest house in the city. Set aside a full day exploring the local attractions. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes where locals take off their shoes. There are stalls in the park where you can buy food and drinks.
Keep track of your belongings - local monkeys are still thieves, they can easily steal a bag, glasses, a camera, and in general everything that lies or hangs on a person)
Little residents of Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Nadun Wanniarachchi, Flickr
Anuradhapura. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr
Mikhintale
The tiny town of Mihintale, located 12 km from Anuradhapura, is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to legend, here, on the top of the mountain, the fatal meeting of the Indian monk Mahinda, the son of the Indian emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa, took place, from whose reign Buddhism began to spread on the island.
To climb to the top of Mihintale to the spectacular white dagoba and white Buddha statue, you need to overcome 1840 steps. The ascent consists of several levels, along the way you can see the relics and stupas of the first Buddhist monastery of the island.
You can get to Mihintale from Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, bicycle, train or regularly running minibuses. Take a day to travel.
Buddha statue in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Daniel Kosla, Flickr
Ascent to the top of Mikhintale. Photo credit: k.dexter fernando kariyakarawanage, Flickr
The most revered city in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly Anuradhapura. Although many of its places of worship are in ruins today, a huge part of the region's iconic and historical heritage has been preserved. Anuradhapura is an ideal travel destination for tourists in love with history, for those who want to get to know the culture of this miniature country.
Ancient Anuradhapura is full of charm and mystery. Its sights will allow you to plunge into the mystical past of Sri Lanka and even take some unique photographs there.
Not far from the Abhayagiri complex, tourists will find the ruins of the old Ratna Prasad monastery, built in the 2nd century by order of King Kanitt Tissa for the monks of the Abhayagiri order. It was gigantic in size, as evidenced by the powerful, ornate columns that can be seen today. In the 8th century, the temple was reconstructed: several floors were added and a golden statue of Buddha was installed.
One of the centers of the Sinhalese civilization, the Jetavana Pagoda has a diameter 113 meters away and reaches in height 75 meters... At one time, it was the tallest Buddhist building in South Asia. 93 million bricks were used for its construction. Today, next to the pagoda, there is a museum where you can learn the history of the site and an interesting collection of Buddhist statues is exhibited.
One of the most colorful structures in Anuradhapura, the Ruvanvelisseya Pagoda is located next to the Ethnographic Museum. An interesting wall that surrounds the pagoda, decorated with images of hundreds of elephants. Seriously damaged by war and natural disasters, the landmark today is only 55 meters high and is surrounded by a garden teeming with ruins.
Location: Abhayawewa Road.
An interesting tourist attraction in Anuradhapura is the Isurumuniya Monastery, which attracts attention with its stone sculptures, which personify Prince Salia and his beloved, a representative of the Asokamala caste.
Legend has it that the prince gave up the crown in order to marry her. Perched on a cliff top, the monastery is full of Buddhist relics brought from India in the early 4th century. There is a beautiful lake at the entrance to the temple, decorated with impressive statues of elephants.
Situated in a picturesque location on the Tissa Veva River, Mirisavetia is a pagoda of impressive proportions. Like all pagodas in Sri Lanka, it has its own legend, which says that King Dutugemunu, who decided to swim in the river, threw off his scepter and his royal insignia. After bathing, he wanted to lift the scepter containing the relics of the Buddha, but he could not. To protect them, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda.
Location: Old Puttalam Road.
An attraction that is very popular in Anuradhapura is the Tuparama Pagoda, built by King Dawaman Pusa. It is considered the oldest in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century. Tuparama is located to the north of the Ruvanvelisseya pagoda and has a diameter of 18 meters.
Location: Thuparama Mawatha.
The Abhayagiri complex of monasteries is the largest in Anuradhapura. Its main building, Abhayagiri Pagoda, is 108 meters away... The complex of buildings of the monastery covers an area of 200 hectares and includes several Buddhist temples. The main attraction of the complex is the Samadhi statue, which is considered one of the most beautiful images of Buddha.
Built during the reign of King Vijayanahu in the 12th century from wood, stone and clay soil, the palace covered an area of about 2.5 square kilometers. Its southern wing was given under the pagoda (Maligawa), where the relics of the Buddha were kept. The wood used in the construction did not stand the test of time, but the stone part of the building is still possible to contemplate.
Once a magnificent structure topped with a bronze roof, Lohoopasada Palace was erected over 2,000 years ago for King Dutugemenu in the 13th century. Today, here you can see the ruins of 1600 columns that supported the building. They say that the grandiose construction of the Middle Ages had 9 floors and could accommodate up to 1000 people at a time.
Money museum
In the Anuradhapura Money Museum, you can easily get acquainted with the history of Sri Lanka, starting from the earliest times. Many of its exhibits are recognized as the oldest in the world. Founded in 1982, the museum is divided into 4 expositions:
- Ancient period.
- Medieval period.
- Colonial period.
- The period of independence.
The oldest coins date from the 3rd century and are made of silver. Exhibited in the museum and gold coins, as well as foreign ones that appeared here with the beginning of the development of trade.
Location: Stage 1, New Town.
In the temple of Sri Maha Bodhi, according to Buddhists, the oldest Terra tree grows, planted in 249 BC. According to Buddhist belief, Gautami Buddha attained enlightenment before a sacred tree in Buddhagaya, India, and the Sri Maha Bothi tree is an offshoot of the southern branch of this tree. The journey to Anuradhapura will not be complete if you do not visit this sacred place for all Buddhists.
Anuradhapura- the famous city of ancient monasteries located in the northern part of Central Sri Lanka. The ancient monuments of Anuradhapura were discovered in the 19th century, and later entered into. This ancient city is called the largest city of monasteries in the world. In the capital, where 113 kings ruled, where Buddhists make pilgrimages, there are some of Sri Lanka's greatest monuments, palaces and monasteries. Other famous cultural attractions in Sri Lanka are the majestic rock, cave temple and amazing temples.
Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka
The founding of the city of Anuradhapura almost coincided with the spread of Buddhism in Ceylon. According to legend, the Sinhalese ruler Devanampiya Tissa (III century BC) and his entourage got acquainted with the new doctrine thanks to the son of the Indian king Ashoka - Mahinda. Buddhism soon became the official religion of the Sinhalese, and the first stupa (dagoba) Tuparama and the Buddhist monastery of Isurumuniya were built in Anuradhapura. During this era, the city experienced a period of its heyday.
The ancient Sri Lankan chronicle “Mahavamsa” testifies: “The great and wise king ordered to build streets in this wonderful city, and on them were built thousands of houses, barely three floors. Everywhere in the city there were shops full of all kinds of goods. Elephants, horses and carriages passed without delay through the streets, every day teeming with people who took part in the solemn festivities. The entire strip of land near the coast was like one continuous workshop, constantly busy building ships ... "
Having existed for over 1200 years as the capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was destroyed at the end of the 10th century when the troops of the South Indian state of Cholov invaded the northern part of the island. The capital of the island was moved to Polonnaruwu and Anuradhapura became a city of great past, revered as the sacred capital of the island.
Attractions Anuradhapura
The majestic ruins of Anuradhapura, spanning over 12 km in diameter, are located a four-hour drive from the modern capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This city-museum cannot be completely bypassed and viewed even in a few days. Meanwhile, here are concentrated perhaps the most significant cultural monuments of the "lion's island".
Ancient chronicles tell that Anuradhapura was once surrounded by high walls with gates facing the four cardinal directions. There were many water bodies and parks in the city, and thousands of sweepers went out to clean the streets every day. The royal palace and numerous Buddhist monasteries (viharas) and stupas (dagobas) were grandiose structures of stone and wood. In ancient times, there were more than 3 thousand monks alone.
At the same time, each ruler of Anuradhapura strove to build a dagoba, as much as possible superior in size and splendor to those that were erected by his predecessors. In particular, the Jetavana Dagobah, which lay in ruins, but was partially restored, reached 80 m in height - i.e. was taller than many Egyptian pyramids.
Typical and extremely characteristic of Ceylon examples of Buddhist art are the so-called "moonstones". Eight of them survived in Anuradhapura. Usually they were placed in front of the entrance to the "House of the Image". "Moon stones" are semicircular granite slabs with ornamental images carved on them. In the outer semicircle, various animals and birds were located in a clockwise direction.
The next half-ring was a wreath of lotus leaves. The sun was depicted in the center. This symbolism is associated with ancient cosmogonic ideas, and penetrated the island from India along with Buddhism. The images themselves on the "moonstones", however, are inspired by Hindu mythology, but they have new content. Leo, for example, is associated with Buddha, lotuses - with detachment from everything earthly.
Today, of the architectural structures of ancient Anuradhapura, the dagobas are the best preserved. Giant stone masses have stood despite the ravages of time.
The largest among the dagobas of Anuradhapura is the Ruvanvelisaya dagoba - a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. It is often called the "Great Stupa" - "Maha Thupa". A round snow-white stone mass, 54 m high, rests on a square base, framed on all sides by reliefs depicting the heads of elephants. The spire directed into the sky once sparkled with gold.
The Ruvanvelisaya stupa is about two thousand years old, and the history of its construction is described in detail in the ancient Ceylon chronicle "Mahavamsa". The construction of the dagoba was started by King Dutthtagamini, one of the most glorious lords who ruled in Anuradhapura. Reigning on the throne, he found a gold plate hidden in his palace with instructions to build a dagoba. Then the king summoned five hundred of the best architects, showed them the plate and asked what form the dagoba should be built. One of the architects proposed an upside-down bowl as a model.
Dagoba was built with extreme care. Even sand intended for construction was sifted many times and then rubbed between the stones. The foundation was trampled by elephants, whose legs were wrapped in skins. The inner sanctuary of the dagoba was decorated with silver and gold. A model of the sacred bo tree made of gold and silver with pearls and gems was installed here. Especially famous was the statue of Buddha, which was cast from pure gold, which was located here.
Shortly before the completion of the construction, the king fell ill. Feeling the approach of death, he asked his brother Saddhatissa to see that the construction was completed. Saddhatissa promised to fulfill his request. It was he who ordered to paint the dagoba white, which it retains to this day, although the color has to be regularly renewed: Subsequent kings also decorated the dagoba in all available ways.
In the middle of the XIX century. this building was threatened by the fate of many other buildings in Anuradhapura. The dilapidated dome resembled a natural hill overgrown with trees and bushes, in which monkeys galloped and jackals hid. The restoration work has been going on for almost a hundred years. Only during the Second World War, the Ruvanvelisaya Pagoda was finally restored.
Among the most ancient monuments of Buddhism in Ceylon is the Tuparama Dagoba, built in the 3rd century. BC. Devanapia Tissa - the first Sinhalese ruler to convert to Buddhism. According to legend, the collarbone of the Buddha is immured in this stupa, thanks to which Tuparama is a particularly revered shrine. The height of this graceful, surprisingly proportional structure. resembling a bell, is about 17 m.
One can only marvel at the skill and artistic taste of the Sinhalese masters who created this magnificent structure more than twenty-two centuries ago. Dagoba is surrounded by stone pillars that once served as a support for a tent over the heads of the worshipers.
The spire of another dagoba, Abhayagiri, seems to rise from the depths of a huge mountain. This mountain is actually nothing more than a dome overgrown with grass (also restored in recent years). The very name "Abhayagiri" is sometimes translated as "Mountain where there is no fear."
At the foot of the dagoba there is a sculpture about two meters high, depicting the Buddha Samadhi immersed in nirvana (IV or V centuries). The figure is carved rather crudely, but the face is very expressively worked out with a pronouncedly absent expression.
However, in Anuradhapura, a much more interesting statue of Buddha has survived, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka - it was erected 1,800 years ago. The Chinese traveler Fa Xian, who visited Anuradhapura in 411, wrote: “Here ... there is a Buddha hall, decorated with gold, silver and precious stones, where his statue of green jade, more than fifty fugues high, sparkling with seven treasures, but in a pose serious and indescribable dignity. In the palm of his right hand lies a priceless stone. "
This statue that has survived to this day is actually not carved from jade, but from granite. Buddha is depicted in a meditation posture. sitting cross-legged. His face expresses serenity, the deepest peace of all-attained wisdom.
Another ancient monument of Anuradhapura, preserved from the time of King Devanampiya Tissa, is the Isurumuniya monastery, cut into a large rock. Later restorations significantly changed its original appearance. Several bas-reliefs carved into the rock monolith dating back to the time of Devanampia Tissa have survived. Among them - a composition depicting a group of elephants, as well as the famous bas-relief "Lovers in the Stone", depicting a girl sitting on the lap of her beloved warrior.
The construction of Lohapasada - the Bronze Palace, began in the middle of the 2nd century. BC. King Dutthagamani, the one who built the grandiose dagoba Ruvanvelisaya. The liberation of the north of Sri Lanka and the capital of the island of Anuradhapura from the rule of the South Indian invaders is associated with his reign. By uniting the entire island under his rule. Dutghagamani began extensive construction in his capital. His life was not enough for this, and the construction of the Bronze Palace was completed under his younger brother.
The stories of Anuradhapura's new miracle spread far beyond the island's borders. Legend has it that it was built "in the image of the sky." The palace had nine floors and a thousand rooms decorated with wood carvings. An ivory throne was installed in the throne room, on which the sun, moon and stars, made of gold, silver and pearls, sparkled. The rooms of the palace were also decorated with pearls, gold and silver. The Mahavamsa says that "precious stones were inserted into the cornices ... The ringing festoons are made of gold." The palace got its name - Bronze - because of the bronze sheets covering the roof.
The bronze palace perished, as they say, "because of a penny candle": once a burning oil lamp fell to the floor, and the fire completely destroyed all this splendor. The building was partially restored, but the subsequent wars and the desolation of Anuradhapura led to the fact that today only an area, covered with a whole forest of granite columns, has remained from the legendary palace - there are up to 1,600 of them!
But the Kuttam - "Double Bath", built in the 9th century, has been perfectly preserved. and is about 8 m deep. At the edge of the bath is an elaborate sculptural image of a cobra.
In Anuradhapura, there are many architectural monuments that are deservedly famous all over the world. Perhaps no less famous is the thousand-year-old bo tree growing near the Ruvanvelisaya dagoba. It was planted over 2,250 years ago by the first Buddhist king, Devanampiya Tissa, and is probably the oldest tree on earth today. It survived almost the entire history of Sri Lanka, now captured in the ruins of Anuradhapura.
The tree sapling was brought from India, from the holy city, and, according to legend. is an offshoot from the very bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The branch, placed in a golden pot, was brought to Anuradhapura by the nun Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. With the greatest solemnity, the precious branch was planted in the park in front of the royal palace. Then it was predicted that the tree would bloom and bloom forever.
It is said that seven days later a miraculous rain fell, and the branch immediately launched eight shoots, which in turn were delivered to other parts of the island. Today, in almost any Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery, you can see the bo tree, which is a "grandson", "great-grandson" or even more distant descendant of "sri-maha-bodhi" - the "sacred great bo" from Anuradhapura.
A huge ancient tree is carefully surrounded by a cast-iron fence. Its thick branches, full of life juices, indicate that this tree will not die soon. There is hardly a Buddhist in the whole country who has not made a pilgrimage to this tree at least once in his life. Students come here before exams, business people come here before the conclusion of important deals, ministers come here before making political decisions. On the day of the anniversary of the conversion of the Sinhalese to Buddhism (this holiday is called "poson"), thousands of pilgrims come to Anuradhapura. Here they pray and light candles by the sacred tree.
