Anuradhapura's origin is steeped in history, tracing back to the settlement by Anuradha, a follower of Prince Vijaya, the progenitor of the Sinhala people. Its elevation to the capital came under King Pandukabhaya around 380 B.C., renowned for his meticulous city planning as chronicled in the Mahavamsa. The city was meticulously organized, with dedicated precincts for various activities and communities, including foreign residents and heretics. Notable features included hostels, hospitals, religious sites such as Jain chapels, and well-organized water management through tanks and reservoirs, exemplified by the enduring Baswakkulam.
A pivotal moment in Anuradhapura's history occurred during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka, introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. This pivotal event took place at Mihintale, where Mahinda and his followers established a monastery amid caves, igniting a widespread adoption of the new faith. King Devanampiya Tissa further cemented Buddhism's presence by donating land for the construction of the grand Mahamegha Gardens monastery within the city.
Despite temporary setbacks, such as invasions from the Chola Kingdom, the Buddhist influence continued to flourish. Notably, King Dutugamunu emerged as a champion of Sinhala nationalism, leaving a legacy of remarkable architectural marvels such as the Mirisaveti Dagoba and the monumental Brazen Palace. However, his most ambitious creation, the Ruwanveli Dagoba, remained unfinished at the time of his passing.
Other significant rulers, including Vattagamani Abhaya and Mahasena, contributed to Anuradhapura's grandeur with notable constructions like the Abhayagiri Monastery and the Jetavanarama Dagoba, showcasing their prowess in architecture and irrigation engineering.
Anuradhapura's status as the national capital endured for six centuries, marked by prosperity and monumental achievements. However, as external pressures increased and internal conflicts escalated, the city's vulnerability became evident, leading to its eventual abandonment and the relocation of the capital to more secure territories. Nevertheless, the enduring monuments of Anuradhapura stand as silent witnesses to its glorious past, surrounded by the timeless beauty of nature and the tranquility of the sky above.
The story of Ruwanweliseya, also known as Maha Stupa, Ratnapali Stupa, or Swarnamali Stupa, is steeped in legend and history. The great Buddhist missionary, Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda, prophesied its construction during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. Inspired by this prophecy, King Dutugamunu, hailed as "The Hero of the Nation," embarked on the monumental task of building the stupa.
Legend has it that King Dutugamunu declared that no effort in the stupa's construction should go unrewarded. Fortune smiled upon him when a rich vein of silver was discovered in a village, which was then renamed Ridigama, meaning "Village of Silver" in Sinhala. The king spared no expense, investing 6.4 million coins in wages alone for the construction.
Ruwanweliseya stands as a majestic testament to King Dutugamunu's vision, with a circumference of 370 feet and a height of 180 feet. It is believed to enshrine a significant amount of Buddha's relics and is constructed in the shape of a water bubble. The stupa is the focal point of the Maha Vihara, Sri Lanka's first monastery, and is adorned with a statue of King Dutugamunu at its eastern entrance.
Throughout the centuries, Ruwanweliseya underwent renovations by successive Sinhalese kings, demonstrating its enduring significance in Sri Lankan history. However, by the 19th century, Anuradhapura had fallen into decline, and Ruwanweliseya lay in ruins. In 1893, a patriotic and devout Buddhist monk named Naranvita Sumanasara Thera, supported by local villagers, undertook the daunting task of reconstructing the stupa. Together, they formed the Ratnamali Chaityawardhana Society, breathing new life into this iconic symbol of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
The Brazen Palace, a marvel of ancient architecture, stood as a testament to the grandeur of Anuradhapura during the reign of King Dutugamunu, revered as "The Hero of the Nation." This monumental structure, as described in the Mahavamsa, comprised 1,600 stone pillars arranged in 40 rows, supporting a gleaming copper roof that extended to all four sides from the central point. Rising to a height of 150 feet, the palace housed 1,000 windowed chambers across nine stories.
Within the Brazen Palace, King Dutugamunu commissioned a gem-pavilion adorned with pillars crafted from precious stones, featuring intricate carvings of lions, tigers, and celestial beings. A pearl network bordered the pavilion, complemented by a coral vedika, adding to its opulence.
This architectural marvel was built upon the sacred ground of the Mahamucala Malala, a chapter house consecrated by Maha Thera Mahinda, the revered apostle of Gautama Buddha who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism in ancient Lanka.
Adjacent to the Brazen Palace are the ruins of the Catussala, an Alms-hall used by the Buddhist monks of the Mahavihara monastery. Notably, the eastern corner of these ruins features a remarkable rice boat, a 45-foot-long vessel intricately carved into a slab of rock. This rice boat aligns with the accounts of Fa-Hsien, the Chinese Buddhist scholar, who documented the presence of 3,000 monks at the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura.
These remnants of ancient splendor provide glimpses into the rich heritage and architectural prowess of Anuradhapura, reflecting the grandeur of a bygone era and the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
It's truly remarkable to contemplate that amidst the bustling city of Anuradhapura stands the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world, the revered Sri Maha Bodhi. This small yet resilient tree, supported by iron crutches due to its age, holds a profound significance in Buddhist history, tracing its lineage back an astonishing 2,250 years.
Throughout its long existence, the Sri Maha Bodhi has been meticulously cared for by generations of hereditary attendants and the country's kings, demonstrating the deep reverence and devotion it commands. Even in modern times, such as during the reign of King Keerti Sri Rajasingha, efforts were made to protect and honor this ancient tree, culminating in the construction of a protective wall around it and later enclosing it with a golden railing in 1966.
The Sri Maha Bodhi's sacred presence serves as the focal point around which the great ancient Sinhalese Buddhist monuments of Anuradhapura are clustered. Its roots intertwine with the history of Buddhism itself, as it is said to be a sapling of the Peepal Tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddha Gaya, Northern India. This precious sapling was brought to Sri Lanka during the 3rd Century B.C. by the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta, daughter of the esteemed King Asoka of India.
Surrounding the Sri Maha Bodhi are three renowned monasteries: the Mahavihara, the Abhayagiri, and the Jetavana, each contributing to the rich tapestry of spiritual heritage and cultural significance that defines Anuradhapura.
In the shadow of this ancient tree, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of reverence and awe, as it stands as a living testament to the enduring power of faith, history, and the human spirit.
Abhayagiri Monastery, sprawling across an expansive 200 hectares, bears witness to a rich tapestry of history and spiritual significance. Its origins trace back to the reign of King Valagamba, also known as Vattagamini Abhaya, during his second ascension to the throne amidst the tumult of Dravidian invasions. The monastery's establishment followed the destruction of a Jain hermitage whose ascetic, Giri, had scorned King Valagamba during his exile.
In gratitude for the support received from Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa during his time of adversity, King Valagamba donated the monastery to him. The centerpiece of Abhayagiri Monastery is the Abhayagiri Stupa, constructed over a sacred footprint of the Buddha. Additionally, the Bo tree within the monastery is an offshoot of the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.
Originally towering at a height of 370 feet, the Abhayagiri Dagoba was once the second tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka, symbolizing the grandeur of the monastery during its heyday. Notably, the monastery boasted one of the world's finest libraries, attracting scholars from far and wide. In homage to the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hsien, who studied Buddhist manuscripts within the monastery in the 5th century CE, a museum was established by the Chinese government. This museum serves as a repository for archaeological treasures unearthed during recent excavations, preserving the legacy of Abhayagiri Monastery for generations to come.
The Samadhi statue, standing at an impressive 2 meters tall, is renowned as a masterpiece of Sinhalese sculpture, crafted during the 4th century. Situated within the Abhayagiri monastic complex, this iconic Buddha statue is carved from dolomite marble, depicting the Buddha in a serene meditative posture. It was originally one of four statues strategically placed around a Bodhi tree, each facing a cardinal direction.
The statue, seated gracefully in virasana and displaying the dhyana mudra pose, exudes a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Its hollow eyes, once adorned with crystals or precious stones, add to its ethereal beauty.
Excavations conducted at the site confirmed the statue's origins in the fourth century, reaffirming its historical significance. Interestingly, the late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was deeply moved by the serenity of the Samadhi statue during his visit to the site. So profound was its impact on him that Nehru carried its memory with him for the rest of his life. Legend has it that during his imprisonment by the British colonialists, Nehru sought solace by meditating upon an impression of the Samadhi statue, finding comfort and inspiration in its tranquil presence.
The Samadhi statue stands not only as a remarkable testament to the artistic prowess of ancient Sinhalese sculptors but also as a timeless symbol of serenity and spiritual enlightenment, captivating hearts and minds across generations.
Kuttam Pokuna, or the twin ponds, stands as a testament to both the aesthetic beauty and remarkable engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lanka. Constructed for the daily baths of Buddhist monks residing at the Abhayagiri Vihara, these ponds are considered architectural marvels dating back to the period between the 8th and 10th centuries.
The larger of the twin ponds spans an impressive 132 feet in length and 51 feet in breadth, while the smaller pond measures 92 feet in length and shares the same breadth. With depths of 18 feet and 14 feet respectively, these ponds provided ample space for bathing rituals.
The water supply to Kuttam Pokuna is ingeniously managed through a series of channels and structures. Initially, water flows into an enclosure positioned above the level of the ponds. From there, it is directed into the smaller pond via a meticulously carved stone Makara, symbolizing a dragon. Subsequently, the smaller pond feeds the larger one through an underground duct, ensuring a continuous flow of water.
Adding to the allure of Kuttam Pokuna is a finely crafted stone sculpture of a five-hooded cobra, situated at the northern end of the smaller pond. The cobra, or Naga, holds symbolic significance as the guardian of water, further enhancing the spiritual and cultural significance of these magnificent ponds.
Kuttam Pokuna stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen and engineers, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated hydraulic engineering practices of the time while serving as a tranquil oasis for spiritual contemplation and renewal.
The Mirisawati Dagoba in Anuradhapura
Mirisawati Dagoba stands as a testament to the valor and piety of King Dutugamunu, revered as "The Hero of the Nation," following his triumph in the Great War against the Southern Indian Kingdom of Chola. Built in commemoration of the water festival held on the seventh day of victory, this stupa holds profound significance in Sri Lankan history.
According to the Mahavamsa, during the water festival at the Tissa rainwater reservoir, King Dutugamunu planted his spear, which contained a precious Relic of the Buddha, on the shore alongside his royal standard. Upon attempting to retrieve the spear after his bath, the king found it firmly embedded in the bank, despite repeated efforts. Interpreting this miraculous event as an auspicious omen, King Dutugamunu decided to enshrine the Relic of the Buddha at the location and commissioned the construction of Mirisawati Dagoba and monastery.
In a gesture of repentance for his perceived lapse in piety, King Dutugamunu declared that the dagoba was built to atone for his failure to offer a portion of pepper curry in alms to the Buddhist monks, having consumed it himself. He completed the construction of Mirisawati Dagoba and monastery within three years, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to Buddhism and his commitment to honoring the Relic of the Buddha.
Mirisawati Dagoba stands as a symbol of both divine intervention and royal devotion, embodying the spiritual and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka while serving as a timeless reminder of the enduring legacy of King Dutugamunu.
Isurumuniya Temple, attributed to King Devanampiyatissa, holds a prime location near the Royal Pleasure Gardens alongside the picturesque Tisaweva, or Tissa rainwater reservoir. This temple, partially nestled into a cave with a serene pool in the foreground and a natural boulder forming its rear wall, is a veritable treasure trove of meticulously carved stone sculptures.
Adorning the rock face bordering the rear of the pond are two remarkable rock carvings that capture the imagination. One depicts a lively herd of elephants, seemingly engaged in playful antics within the pond, with the majestic leader elephant commanding attention. The other carving portrays a noble horseman and his steed, with the horseman's right hand resting casually on his raised knee, evoking a sense of grace and strength.
Among the temple's most celebrated sculptures is the renowned 'Isurumuniya Lovers,' originally carved on a slab of granite and now housed in the Isurumuni Archaeological Museum. This exquisite artwork portrays King Dutugamunu's son, Saliya, and his beloved Asokamala, a non-royal consort renowned for her unparalleled beauty. Saliya's sacrifice of his royal titles for the sake of his beloved epitomizes the enduring theme of love and devotion.
Further enhancing the temple's architectural splendor are intricately carved stone features such as the Sanda Kada Pahana, or Moonstone, at the entrance, guardstones flanking the temple's approach, and ornate balustrades. These exquisite stone carvings not only showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankan artisans but also contribute to the temple's ambiance of serenity and spiritual reverence.
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