About Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, grew in power and prosperity for more than 1500 years. This city dates back to the 6th century BC. It gave birth to a new culture based on Buddhism that came here in the 3rd century. Anuradhapura, which holds a proud place among the great archaeological sites of the world, was not only a capital but also the city most associated with the development of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The ruins at Anuradhapura are one of the most impressive sights in South Asia. Among these include massive dagabs (brick stupas) of great archaeological value, ruins of ancient pools and crumbling temples and magnificent statues. The city’s archaeological remains are spread over 14 miles, including 200 acres of massive temple complexes.
Attractions in Anuradhapura
The Bodhi Tree/ Sri Maha Bodhiya
Some scholars believe that the world’s oldest living tree may be this Sri Maha Bodhi tree. A branch of the tree that provided shade for the lord Buddha to attain enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka in 245 BC by Sanghamitta Theraniya (A Buddhist nun). The tree was planted on a high terrace of 21 feet (6.5 m) above from the ground to protect it from wild elephants, and the era of king Keerthi Sri Rajasingha built a fence wall around the tree. Today, that Bodhi tree is a tree respected by Buddhist people all over the world.
Ruwanweli Stupa
After winning the great war with king elara , Great King Dutugemunu built this huge Ruwanweli Sa Stupa. This is also known by Mahathupaya, Swarnamali Chaitya, Ratnamali Dagaba. It is decorated with 1,900 images of elephants.
Abhayagiri Temple
The Abhayagiri temple complex is spread over an area of ​​about 500 acres. King Wattagamini Abhaya (Walagamba) who reigned around 109 BC and 89-77 BC is recognized as the founder of Abhayagiri. It is mentioned in the genealogy that a niganta named Giri, who was formerly in this land, insulted King Wattagamini Abhaya (Walagamba) who was fleeing from the city due to the threats of the invaders, saying “the great black Sinhalese is fleeing”. Later, King Wattagamini Abhaya, who returned to power, destroyed the hermitage of Giri Niganta, who had insulted him, and this was built to offer to a Mahaviharika Kupikkala Maha Tissa thera, who helped the king to return to power. Later, King Parakramabahu, renovated the Abhayagiri temple which is said to have been 140 cubits tall. With a diameter of 307 feet (94 m), the Abhayagiri temple was 231 feet (70 m) high.
Jethawanarama Stupa
King Mahasen (273-301 AD) built this largest stupa. It is believed that a part of Buddha’s robe is buried here. Its height is said to be 400 feet (120 meters). However, today it is 252 feet (77 meters) high from the Salapathala courtyard to the broken spire. The diameter of the dome is about 370 feet (113 meters) at the level of the courtyard. This is considered to be the largest stupa in the world. At that time, Jethavana was the third largest building in the world.
The Lovers Statue Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya Raja Maha Vihara, which was created during the Anuradhapura era, is a historical art gallery. Isurumuniya became world famous because of a rock carving known as a couple. The carving, depicts a seated man. with a woman sit on his right thigh, with a sword and a clustered ring on the back. This is a stone carving that has gained a lot of tourist attraction.
The Twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)
The most magnificent specimen of swimming pools are the pair known as the Twin Ponds in Anuradhapura near the Abhayagiri temple. The garden that separates these two ponds is 18½ feet (5.6 m). The larger one of the pair is 132 feet long and 51 feet wide (40 x 15.5 m) and the smaller one is 91 feet long and the same width (28 x 15.5 m). The depth of the small pond is 14 feet (4.3 m) and the large pond is 18 feet (5.5 m). There were underground ducts bringing water into these ponds. These ponds had underground ducts to bring water.