Anuradhapura

INTRODUCTION

With a long and eventful history behind it, Anuradhapura lies in the north central part of Sri Lanka. Home to several of Sri Lanka's grandest palaces, monasteries, and monuments, the citadel has countless elaborate features mirroring the dominant influence of Buddhism in the country

Ancient Anuradhapura had been considered sacred by Buddhists. "The world's greatest monastic city" was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the well-preserved structures as well as the significant past it holds. Legends say that it was in Anuradhapura that the royal twins Sanghamittaand Mahinda had started introducing Buddhism to the kingdom. They are supposed to have brought with them a sapling said to be from the tree under which Buddha sat until he achieved enlightenment. For a long time since then, Anuradhapura had flourished until it became one of South Asia's most powerful cities.

The tree named Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi still stands at the topmost platform in Mahameghavana Park, and it is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world, dating as far back as 249 BC. Today, tourists and believers still flock around the Sri Maha Bodhi, and consider it both historical and hallowed. A note of caution is necessary to those who want to visit the sacred tree: shoes and hats must be removed before entering the area. Another attraction linked to Buddhism is the Ruwanwelisaya, the greatest of its kind. The dagoba is believed to have the most perfect water-bubble shape. The oldest, however, is Thuparamaya Dagoba, constructed on Prince Malinda’s orders.

There are also museums in Anuradhapura housing some of the country's oldest manuscripts and artifacts. Funded by the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian to commemorate his arrival to the city, the Abhayagiri Museum showcases ancient jewelry, pottery, and religious items. The local Archaeological Museum, on the other hand, exhibits a large-scale model of the Thuparamaya, but what is even more interesting is the group of squatting plates made by western monks who despised their worldly brother-monks. Not far from the Archaeological Museum is the Folk Museum which exhibits artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of the inhabitants of North Central Sri Lanka.

LOCATION AND THE MAP

Anuradhapura is situated in the North Central district of Sri Lanka whereby its geographical coordinates are 8° 21' 0" North, 80° 23' 0" East. This ancient city is located 205Km north to the capital of Colombo and can be reached by bus, train or private vehicle.

At the center of the town you will find the “Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya” and surrounding this sacred venue are other religious attractions such as the “Ruwanwelisaya” and the “Mirisavetiya Dagaba” which can be easily accessed from the Anuradhapura town. The “Isurumuniya Temple”, “Ran Masu Uyana” and the “Thisa Wewa” are located to the South West of the central city.

To the north east of the city are the sacred “Thuparamaya Temple”, “Palace of Vijayabahu” and the “Basavakkulama Tank” which are situated to the north of the city along with “Jethawanaramaya Dagaba” and the “Samadhi Statue”.

In order to be awed by the magnificent view of the Anuradhapura city, a visit to “Mihintale” cannot be missed. Mihintale is situated to the east of Anuradhapura and is of considerable distance to the Anuradhapura town.

HISTORY

King Pandukabhaya, the founder and first ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, fixed village boundaries in the country and established an administration system by appointing village headmen. He constructed hermitages, houses for the poor, cemeteries, and irrigation tanks. He brought a large portion of the country under the control of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. However, it was not until the reign of Dutthagamani (161–137 BC) that the whole country was unified under the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He defeated 32 rulers in different parts of the country before he killed Elara, the South Indian ruler who was occupying Anuradhapura, and ascended to the throne. The chronicle Mahavamsa describes his reign with much praise, and devotes 11 chapters out of 37 for his reign. He is described as both a warrior king and a devout Buddhist. After unifying the country, he helped establish Buddhism on a firm and secure base, and built several monasteries and shrines including the Ruwanweli Seya and Lovamahapaya.

Another notable king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom is Valagamba (103, 89–77 BC), also known as Vatthagamani Abhaya, who was overthrown by five invaders from South India. He regained his throne after defeating these invaders one by one and unified the country again under his rule. Saddha Tissa (137–119 BC), Mahaculi Mahatissa (77–63 BC), Vasabha (67–111), Gajabahu I (114–136), Dhatusena (455–473), Aggabodhi I (571–604) and Aggabodhi II (604–614) were among the rulers who held sway over the entire country after Dutthagamani and Valagamba. Rulers from Kutakanna Tissa (44–22 BC) to Amandagamani (19–29 BC) also managed to keep the whole country under the rule of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Other rulers could not maintain their rule over the whole island, and independent regions often existed in Ruhuna and Malayarata (hill country) for limited periods. During the final years of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, rebellions sprang up and the authority of the kings gradually declined. By the time of Mahinda V (982–1017), the last king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, the rule of the king had become so weak that he could not even properly organize the collection of taxes.

During the times of Vasabha, Mahasena (274–301) and Dhatusena, the construction of large irrigation tanks and canals was given priority. Vasabha constructed 11 tanks and 12 canals, Mahasen constructed 16 tanks and a large canal, and Dhatusena built 18 tanks. Most of the other kings have also built irrigation tanks throughout Rajarata, the area around Anuradhapura. By the end of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, a large and intricate irrigation network was available throughout Rajarata to support the agriculture of the country.

Arrival of Buddhism

One of the most notable events during the Anuradhapura Kingdom was the introduction ofBuddhism to the country. A strong alliance existed between Devanampiya Tissa (250–210 BC) and Asoka of India, who sent Arahat Mahinda, four monks, and a novice being sent to Sri Lanka. They encountered Devanampiya Tissa at Mihintale. After this meeting, Devanampiya Tissa embraced Buddhism the order of monks was established in the country. Devanampiya Tissa, guided by Arahat Mahinda, took steps to firmly establish Buddhism in the country.

Soon afterwards, the bhikkhuni Sanghamitta arrived from India in order to establish the Bhikkhuni sasana (order of nuns) in the country. She brought along with her a sapling from the Sri Maha Bodhi, the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, which was then planted in Anuradhapura. Devanampiya Tissa bestowed on his kingdom the newly planted Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

Arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic

During the reign of Kithsirimevan (301–328), Sudatta, the sub king of Kalinga, and Hemamala brought the Tooth Relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka because of unrest in their country. Kithsirimevan carried it in procession and placed the relic in a mansion named Datadhatughara. He ordered this procession to be held annually, and this is still done as a tradition in the country. The Tooth Relic of the Buddha soon became one of the most sacred objects in the country, and a symbol of kingship. The person who was in possession of the Tooth Relic would be the rightful ruler of the country. Therefore it was often enshrined within the royal palace itself.

Invasions

Several invasions have been made against the Anuradhapura Kingdom, all of which were launched from South India. The first invasion recorded in the history of the country is during the reign of Suratissa (247–237 BC), where he was overthrown by two horse dealers from South India named Sena and Guththika. After ruling the country for 22 years, they were defeated by Asela (215–205 BC), who was in turn overthrown by another invasion led by a Chola prince named Elara (205–161 BC). Elara ruled for 44 years before being defeated by Dutthagamani. However, the Mahavamsa records that these foreign kings ruled the country fairly and lawfully.

The country was invaded again in 103 BC by five Dravidian chiefs, Pulahatta, Bahiya, Panya Mara, Pilaya Mara and Dathika, who ruled until 89 BC when they were defeated by Valagamba. Another invasion occurred in 433, and the country fell under the control of six rulers from South India. These were Pandu, Parinda, Khudda Parinda, Tiritara, Dathiya and Pithiya, who were defeated by Dhathusena who regained power in 459. More invasions and raids from South India occurred during the reigns of Sena I (833–853) and Udaya III (935–938). The final invasion during the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which ended the kingdom and left the country under the rule of the Cholas, took place during the reign of Mahinda V.

However, none of these invaders could extend their rule to Ruhuna, the southern part of the country, and Sri Lankan rulers and their heirs always organized their armies from this area and managed to regain their throne. Throughout the history of Sri Lanka, Ruhuna served as a base for resistance movements.

End of the kingdom

In 993, the Chola Emperor Rajaraja I invaded Sri Lanka, forcing the then Sri Lankan ruler Mahinda V to flee to the southern part of the country. The Mahavamsa describes the rule of Mahinda V as weak, and the country was suffering from poverty by this time. It further mentions that his army rose against him due to lack of wages. Taking advantage of this situation, Rajendra I son of Rajaraja I, launched a large invasion in 1017. Mahinda V was captured and taken to India, and the Cholas sacked the city of Anuradhapura. They moved the capital to Polonnaruwa and subsequent Sri Lankan rulers who came into power after the Chola reign continued to use Polonnaruwa as the capital, thus ending the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

PLACES CAN OBSERVE

The sacred eight places in Anuradhapura [ATAMASTHANA]

1.     Sri Maha bodiya

2.     Ruwanwelisaya

3.     Thuparamaya

4.     Lowamahapaya

5.     Abayagiri dageba

6.     Jethavanarama

7.     Mirisaweti stupa

8.     Lankarama

Sri Maha Bodiya

'Bodhi') tree or Pipal (ficus religiosa) was planted as a cutting brought from India by emperor Asoka’s daughter, the Princess Sangamitta, at some point after 236 BC. Guardians have kept uninterrupted watch over the tree ever since. There are other Bo trees around the Sir Maha Bodhi which stands on the highest terrace. In April a large number of pilgrims arrive to make offering during the Snana Pooja, and to bathe the tree with milk. Every 12th year the ceremony is particularly auspicious. 

Ruwanwelisaya

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya and Rathnamali Dagaba.

The stupa is also one of the Solosmasthana (the 16 places of veneration) and theAtamasthana (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa is one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at 300 ft (92 m) and with a circumference of 950 ft (292 m).

Thuparamaya

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya and Rathnamali Dagaba.  

The stupa is also one of the Solosmasthana (the 16 places of veneration) and theAtamasthana (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa is one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at 300 ft (92 m) and with a circumference of 950 ft (292 m).

Lowamahapaya

Thuparamaya is a dageba in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration.

Thera Malinda, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha. It is considered to be the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism. This is considered the earliest monument, the construction of which was chronicled Sri Lanka. The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya" which is a residential complex for monks.

Thuparamaya dageba has been built in the shape of a heap of paddy. This dageba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What is seen presently is the construction of the dageba, done in 1862 AD. As of today, after several renovations, in the course of the centuries, the monument has a diameter of 59 ft (18 m), at the base. The dome is 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) in height from the ground, 164½ ft (50.1 m) in diameter. The compound is paved with granite and there are 2 rows of stone pillars round the dagaba. During the early period vatadage was built round the dageba.

Abhayagiri dageba

The Abhayagiri Dagaba is 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. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood "Abhayagiri", one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara.

The term "Abhayagiri Vihara" means not only a complex of monastic buildings, but also a fraternity of Buddhist monks, or Sangha, which maintains its own historical records, traditions and way of life. Founded in the 2nd century BC, it had grown into an international institution by the 1st century AD, attracting scholars from all over the world and encompassing all shades of Buddhist philosophy. Its influence can be traced to other parts of the world, through branches established elsewhere. Thus, the Abhayagiri Vihara developed as a great institution vis‑a‑vis the Mahavihara and the jetavana Buddhist monastic sects in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.

Jethawanaramaya

Its the Tallest Dagaba on the Planet......and was built by King Mahasen (Mahasena)
In the respect to The Great King Mahasen and this Giant Stupa...
No any other King tried to beat its Height...(even they were quite capable of doing so..)
The height of this giant pagoda is more than 400 feet and this had been the largest brick building in the world at the time.......
Even now it is among the largest brick buildings in the South Asia. It was dedicated to the monks of Sagalika Nikaya (Sagalika chapter.)
still we can see the ponds and the wells used by the monks at the time. Recently a valuable treasure of ruins and golden statues uncovered from here by the Department of Archeology

It was the 3rd tallest building in the world during that time. 2 pyramids were higher than Jethawanaramaya. However pyramids were not constructed using brick.
Therefore Jethawanaramaya is the tallest building made out of brick. The only dagaba situated outside the Mahamewna Uyana garden. It is situated in Nandana Uyana garden.
 There are several opinions to the creation of the Name Jethawanaramaya. Part of the robe wore by Lord Buddha is kept inside the dagaba as a relic. There were 4 entrances to the dagaba. Unfortunately they have been partially collapsed.
There are beautiful stone carvings in these entrances. The dagaba is being reconstructed under the Cultural Triangle Project. King Mahasen has donated the temple to Sagalika sect.
 Inside ‘buduge’ (worship house for Lord Buddha) there are 3 statues of Lord Buddha and few statues of kings. The first statue among them is the statue of king Mahasen who build the temple.
The ongoing construction work........
You can join it too.....just visit it.......and be a part of the rebuilding of the Giant...

Mirisaweti stupa

The Mirisaweti Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugemunu built the Mirisaweti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the scepter, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the scepter. After the bath he returned to the place where the scepter was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the scepter stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook a chilly curry without offering it to the Sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated. What stands today is the renovation done by the cultural Triangle Fund.

Lankarama

Lankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there has been a house built encircling the stupa (vatadage) to cover it. The round courtyard of the stupa seems to be 10 feet (3 m) above the ground. The diameter of the stupa is 45 feet (14 m). The courtyard is circular in shape and the diameter is 1332 feet (406 m).

Other places can be visited

Isurumuniya

The temple was built by King DEVANAMPIYATHISSA who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) renovated this viharaya and named it as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera". This name is derived from names of his 2 daughters and his name. There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belong to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this Vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana.

Isurumuniya Lovers

6th Century Gupta style carving. The woman, seated on the man's lap, lifts a warning finger, probably as a manifestation of her coyness; but the man carries on regardless. The figures may represent Dutugemunu’s son Saliya and the law caste (Sadol Kula) maiden Asokamala whom he loved. It's known that he gave up the throne for her.

‘Siddha mahayaha kuni – maha (la) ka Asala yaha (di) Ni’ [Hail! The cell of Mahaya is given to Venerable Asalaya]

The above Brahmi inscription was inscribed at the original place where the Isurumuniya Lovers were originally sculptured and placed. It is a special one as a letters in this inscription is 3 inches x 4 inches in size. After donating Vessagiriya to Maha Sangha this sculpture would have been removed and placed at its present place. The Lovers in the sculptured plaque are King Kuvera Vaisrawana and his Queen Kuni. Ramayana states that Vaisrawana who lived in Vessagiriya ruled Sri Lanka from Lankapura before Rawana.

For a picture of Isurumuni “Pem-Yuwala” (lovers), please refer to the external links bellow.

Kuttampokuna

History

One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as "Kuttam Pokuna" (Twin Ponds/Pools). The said pair of pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese.

Dimensions

A garden was landscaped which separates the two ponds which long is 18½ ft. The larger pool of the two is 132 ft by 51 ft, while the smaller pool is 91 ft by 51 ft. The depths of the two pools are 14 ft and 18 ft for the smaller pool and the larger pool respectively.

Construction

The faces of the pools were cut granite slabs which include the bottom and the sides of the pool. A wall was also built around the pool which encloses the compound. Flights of steps are seen on both ends of the pool decorated with punkalas, or pots of abundance and scroll design. Embankments were constructed to enable monks to bathe using pots or other utensils. Water to the pools were transferred through underground ducts and filtered before flowing to the pool and in a similar fashion the water was emptied.

Dr. Senerath Paranavithana was actively involved in the restoration of the ponds, in which small figures of fish, a conch, a crab and a dancing woman were found in the bottom.

Gal palama

The road leading to Gal Palama is located close to the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds). The two Gal Palama’s are laid across Malwathu Oya and Yoda Ela.

The first bridge you will meet is the one across the place where the Yoda Ela was. Don’t expect a Large water way. Now what you will see is a newly built small waterway feeding the paddy fields in the area. After travelling a little further down the same road, it will end at the second and more impressive bridge.

Only the part of the bridge can be seen today. Stone slabs are laid across rows of 3 stone pillars. There have been attempt to restore this bridge in the recent past but work has been abruptly stopped. These stone bridges are thought to be belonging to the late Anuradhapura period.

Eth pokuna

Eth pokuna (Elephant pond) is an ancient man made pond situated close to Lankaramaya. It is 159 meters in length 52.7 meters across and 9.5 meters in depth with the holding capacity of 75,000 cubic meters of water.

The water to this pond has been supplied from the Periyamkulama Tank through a network of underground canals. These underground canals still work after so many hundreds years. This tank probably has been used by the monks in the Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery who amounted over five thousand priests.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

The Samadhi Statue is a statue situated at Mahamevuna 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, also called Nirvana. Whether the Buddha's Enlightenment was the experience technically called Samadhi, or some other phenomenon, may depend upon the philosophical allegiance of the believer. In the Dhyana Mudra the Buddha sits cross - legged with his upturned palms placed one over the other on his lap. This position is universally known throughout the Buddhist world, and this statue is therefore one of the most typical pieces of Buddhist sculpture. It is not to be confused with the very similar "Earth-Touching Mudra," which depicts the simple action the Buddha took to fend off the illusions projected by Mara, who was desperate to prevent the Buddha from realizing that his, Mara's, projections, and with them the entire world, are an illusion. This statue is 8 feet in height and carved from granite.

Awukana Buddha Statue   

         

30km northwest of Golden Dambulla Rock Temple, the village of Awukana located close to the large ancient Kala Wewa rainwater reservoir, is home to the most perfectly preserved ancient statue in Sri Lanka. The perfect & elegant 12m-high standing Buddha is adored all over the island to such an extent, that several full scale copies have been erected in the island: Colombo, Dondra, Ratnapura, and Trincomalee. The statue was erected in the same period as those at Polonnaruwa's Gal Vihara & Lankatilaka Vihara as well as Buduruwagala & Maligawila all of which emphasis on Buddha's superhuman, transcendal powers.
Bless youUnlike other great statues in the island which are carved in "Abhaya Mudra" (Have no fear), the Awukana statue is in the "Asisa Mudra", the blessing position, with the right hand turned sideways to the viewer. The figure is carved in the round, narrowly connected at the rear to the rock.
The perfect Buddha statue
Carved out of the living rock with supreme assurance, Awukana Buddha is a magnificent image. His expression is serene & from his curled hair there sprouts the flame called siraspata signifying the power of supreme enlightenment. Although the statue is large & stands straight up with feet firmly planted on the lotus stone pedestal, the body retains a graceful quality enhanced by beautifully flowing drapery clinging to the body.
The tallest Buddha statue in the world
The magnificent free-standing statue carved out of a single rock is the tallest Buddha statue in existence today. Following the destruction of similar but much larger statues at Bamiyan in Afghanistan, the Awukana Buddha has gained even greater significance in the Buddhist World.
The whole of cultured world was horrified at the savagery & barbarity inflicted upon the colossal Bamiyan Buddha statues carved from the cliffs that dominate the dusty plains in the heart of Hindu Kush which have watched serenely for 15 centuries as the fortunes of the city beneath them waned from Silk Road metropolis to remote Afghan backwater.
In honor of the destroyed & in defiance of intolerant, China quietly goes with its own form of defiance: in their territory, carving, sculpting, erecting two statues similar in every conceivable way, to the two Buddha Statues destroyed by Taliban. In the ancient times Bamiyan, the region where Mahayana Buddhism originated, was known as Vokkana or Avakana. Do we have a clue to the name Awukana? In Sinhalese there is no such word as Awukana meaning sun eating as erroneously proclaimed. 
Best time to see
the best time to see the magnificent statue is at the crack of dawn when the first rays of sun light up the east-facing statue's finely carved features.

Museum

Sri Lanka has a very rich history, and this is highlighted by the Archaeological Museum in Anuradhapura. Visiting this museum may not be as exciting or as educational compared to visiting each archaeological site on your own, but at least it gives you an overview of everything that the country has to offer at a significantly lower cost and in less time.

Exhibits in the Archaeological Museum will give you an idea about the way people lived in the country in earlier times through a variety of relics and artifacts. This is also where most of the items obtained from archaeological sites are kept and preserved.

Also in the museum are some weird examples of luxury items such as beautifully carved squat toilets used by luxury-loving monks. Illustrated in these urinals is the god of wealth pouring down coins to the hole.