阿努拉德普勒（Anuradhapura）是斯里兰卡的古都之一，以保存完好的古代文明遗址而闻名。 根据僧伽罗人的伟大编年史Mahawamsa的说法，阿努拉德普勒（Anuradhapura）市以一位名叫阿努拉德（Anuradha）的部长的名字命名，该部长在公元前6世纪下半叶由马尔瓦图（Malwatu Oya）在该地区找到了这个村庄。 在公元前4世纪，潘杜卡巴哈（Pandukabhaya）国王将阿努拉德普勒（Anuradhapura）列为其王国的首都。 它一直是首都15个世纪，在此期间是南亚著名的政治和贸易中心。

公元前250年左右，阿育王（Asoka）成为印度皇帝并成为佛教徒。 他的儿子和女儿被任命为比丘（Bhikku）和比丘尼（Bhikkuni）（佛教神父和修女，分别名为Mahinda和Sangamitta）并成为Arhat。[Mahinda在僧伽罗语中被称为Mihindu]

Emperor Asoka sent nine Buddhist delegations to nine countries and due to the close links with the King of Anuradhapura, Devanampiya Tissa, Emperor Asoka sent one of the delegations comprising Arhat Mahinda to Sri Lanka. Arahath Mihidu met the King Devanampiyatissa at a place called Mihintale Rock about 12 Km from Anuradhapura on a Poson (June) Full Moon day and embraced Buddhism after a dialogue among the two.

Arahath Mahinda spent the rest of his life in Sri Lanka and with the patronage of the King, started the Gauthama Buddha Sasanaya ( Buddhist order of the Lord Gauthama Buddha ) in Sri Lanka. Then started an era of culture interwoven with Buddhist philosophy that created an agricultural-based society. The architectural remains can still be seen and give a glimpse of what had been the country at that time.

Timeless ruins of Anuradhapura sacred city reflect Sri Lanka’s historical heritage, ancient civilization and the dawn of Buddhism. In this sacred city, there are eight main places of worship known as Athamasthana. They are Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisawatiya, and Lankaramaya. In the vicinity of Anuradhapura, there are a large number of ruins consisting of three classes of buildings, dagobas, basic buildings, and pokunas (bathing-tanks). The dagobas are bell-shaped masses of stonework, altering from a few feet to over 1100 ft in circumference. The most famous is the Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) erected by King Dutugamunu about 164 BC. One of the best specimens of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as “Kuttam pokuna” (Twin ponds). The city also contains a sacred Bo-Tree, Sri Mahabodhiya, it is said that arahath Sanghamitta Thero brought with her a branch of the Bodhi tree under which prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. This is the oldest living tree in the world with a documented history.

Other main sights of Anuradhapura are Samadhi Statue, Ratna Prasada Guard stone, Moonstone, & Folk Museum. This complex requires a bit of walking from one site to another, therefore, travelers need to go prepared with comfortable clothing, sunscreen if sensitive to the sun and with socks at hand since you will have to remove your footwear in certain areas.

01. Abhayagiri Monastery Complex

Abhayagiri is the largest monastery complex in the Anuradhapura kingdom for it covers an area of 200 hectares. In the 1st century BC, a Sinhalese King by the name of Vattagamini Abhaya had been forced to flee and abandon his capital during a Tamil Chola invasion. While he was hiding, he heard the sarcastic ramble of a Hindu priest named Giri.

“The great black lion is fleeing!” 14 years later, the king came back with a robust army and trampled the occupation. In celebration, he built a monastery and named it after himself (Abhaya) and the priest who had aroused his rage (Giri).

This monastery was given to a Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa as a gesture of appreciation for all the support he had lent to the king during his time of adversity and who had assisted him in the rebuilding of his army.

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Moonstone

This Moonstone within the Abayagiri Monastery is found in the main flight of stairs in the center building. This moonstone is considered one of the best and most preserved of an era dating back to the 7th-8th centuries. Its design is a ring of flames on the outer edge and below that is a ring of 4 different animals which are elephants, horses, lions and bulls.

The next line incorporates a floral design and then a line of swans with a twig of flower and leaf in the mouth which is then followed by a line of floral patterns and the centre is a lotus with petals around the semi-circle on the moonstone.

The next line incorporates a floral design and then a line of swans with a twig of flower and leaf in the mouth which is then followed by a line of floral patterns and the center is a lotus with petals around the semi-circle on the moonstone.

Rathna Prasada (Guardstone)

The Rathnaprasada was the largest building in the monastery. It was first built by king Kanittatissa in the 2nd century and was rebuilt in the 8th century by King Mahinda II on a grand scale with many stories and had put up a golden statue of Buddha. Unfortunately, it was all destroyed during the South Indian invasions.

Over the years, the successive kings were able to protect and preserve some ruins. Among the ruins, there is an exquisitely carved guard stone which portrays a god-king protected by a five-headed cobra (Naga Gala) holding a vase with flowers reflecting prosperity. This was installed to secure the Prasada and gemstones in the vicinity. The massive pillars, a ruined building nearby and this guard stone are great examples of stone carving reflecting the architecture at that time which give glimpses of Sinhalese architectural styles. Other guard stones (Mura Gal) can also be found on this site.

Abhayagiri Stupa

The main stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa was constructed over a footprint of Lord Buddha. A part of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree is there. The stupa is 370 feet tall when originally built and it was the second tallest stupa on the island. During its zenith, the monastery was home to one of the greatest libraries in the world.

A museum was inaugurated by the government of China to commemorate the efforts of Fa-Hsien, a Chinese monk who had devoted his time studying the Buddhist manuscripts. This museum was also initiated to keep all archaeological treasures and artifacts that have been excavated through archaeological explorations.

Museum

The new museum at Abhayagiri Monastery was established in memory of Fa-hsien to preserve and exhibit the treasures discovered during the excavations which were ornaments and jewelry made of gold and with gems and crystals; coins belonging to ancient era; metal objects; moulds and crucibles used in their manufacture; ceramics; pottery; glass; tiles; sculptures etc.

Kuttam Pokuna

Kuttam Pokuna, known as the ‘Twin Ponds’ is an architectural landscape to be explored in Anuradhapura. It was built to be a bathing pool with terraces for the monks and it dates back to the 8th century. At that time, there was no modern technology to construct the place to its full effect yet it is an example of noteworthy achievements in engineering and architecture.
The pond at the northern end measures 91 feet long whereas the other pond is 132 feet long. Both ponds have steps right to the bottom of the pool. This gives evidence that there was an improvisation in Sri Lanka’s Irrigation system. Water from the man-made reservoir, Basawakkulama which comes through stone conduits underground fill up the pools.

Eth Pokuna

Eth Pokuna or Elephant Pond is the largest man-made pond in the whole of Anuradhapura. Sitting among the forest at 159 meters in length and 152 meters wide, it is a great marvel that speaks of the ancient irrigation wonders of Sri Lanka. It was used by monks who lived in the nearby buildings for their daily cleansing and other water-related necessities. The water fills up from the Periyamkulama Tank through underwater channels and heavy rains cause water to flow from the inlets.

02. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which is the Sacred Bo Tree – this is the tree of the sapling of the Sacred Bodhi brought by Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka from the main stem of the Bodhi Tree in India under which Lord Buddha obtained enlightenment. This sapling was received by King Devanampiya Tissa who had then planted it ceremoniously at this present site.

03. Lovamahapaya or Brazen Palace

Lovamahapaya or Brazen Palace which is a building of nine stories framed with stone pillars that were built by King Devanam Piyatissa in the 3rd century BCE & later redesigned by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE. This structure was named ‘Brazen Palace’ because it had a copper or bronze tiled roof.

The purpose of this palace was to house 9000 monks and attendants by providing shelter, nursing care and facilities for the injured. According to early historical sources, Lovamahapaya was a massive nine storied building with each side 400 feet long. The building was supported by 40 rows of stone pillars each containing 40 pillars, totaling 1600 pillars in all. Its walls were decorated with corals and precious stones and its roof was covered with copper-bronze plates, because of which it’s also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. Each level of the building was rumored to have 1,000 rooms. These early descriptions may be exaggerated, but Lovamahapaya would have been one of the most prominent buildings at the time it was constructed.

Unfortunately, aside from the hundreds of supporting stone pillars nothing remains of this once supposedly majestic building. The building was completely destroyed in a fire, the upper structures being made of wood, during the reign of King Saddhatissa, less than 30 years later.
Over the next several centuries until the fall of the Anuradhapura Kingdom in the 10th century, Lovamahapaya was rebuilt and then destroyed numerous times by invading armies. King Parakramabahu who reigned from 1153 to 1186 AD raised and restored the stone pillars. The small building in the center of the stone pillars that is visible today, is of late construction and is the Venue of Uposatha (chapter house) of the Maha Vihara even now.

04. Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka. Ruwanwelisaya is considered an icon of architectural glory in ancient Sri Lanka. Also known as the Great Stupa, Ruwanwelisaya was built by the victorious King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. It was his ambitious project and this stupa bears witness for its unparalleled service to revive Buddhism in the country.

05. Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa is an artificial reservoir built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC in order to provide and increase water supply to the city of Anuradhapura and to supply water to the king’s royal gardens. This reservoir was then expanded and integrated into a network of canals for irrigation.

Tissa Wapi or Tissa wewa is yet another destination for tourists to gain relaxation and knowledge for both physical and mental. It is a symbol of the ancient Irrigation systems of Sri Lanka. And also it is one of the men made reservoirs in Anuradhapura other than Basawakkulama (Abhayagiri wewa) and Nuwara wewa. It is built by King Devanam Piyathissa (250-210 B.C), the predecessor of establishing Buddhism in Sri Lankan Civilization in the 3rd century. The bunt is about 11000 feet in distance and 25 feet in depth. Tisa wewa covers an area about 550 acres. Mahawansa reveals that the great King Dutugemunu went to Tissa wewa to make the rituals and observed traditions bounded with water before getting accession to the throne after defeating brutal Dravidian King Elara. The lake is located in the southwest of the Anuradhapura city.

This Large irrigation system was fallen into obsolescence. But it was repaired several times even by the British government. As prescribed in H.Parker’s reports, he says that the bunt has been built thickly in its original state and It may not need a maintaining. As a matter of fact, Tissa Wewa still serves the Anuradhapura area. By the way, the Ancient Bisokotuwa made of stones was embedded with concrete. Tissa wewa was nourished with the water gained from ‘Kala wewa’. The water was supplied through the Canal, ‘Yodha Ela’. Yodha Ela is also a great creation of our ancient architecture. The architects knew that the speed of water in canals may decrease if it is moved into a zigzag-shaped canal.

Thereby they used this theory to supply water for low land areas. The canals were capable of covering whole the Dry zone areas in Anuradhapura. They considered research to elect a suitable place to build Tissa wewa by King Devanam Piyatissa. It was done under several objectives. Congruent Geographical features to imbibe water from the earth, collect and secure water from natural water resources, easier to build the dam of the tank and adjustability to face earthquakes or inundation were thoroughly considered. Thus ancient rural lifestyle of Sri Lankans was deeply attached with watery civilization. Kings paid their utmost attention to maintain and develop the tanks, lakes and water reservoirs. They never let people waste a single drop of water.

06. Miriswatiya Dagoba

Miriswatiya Dagoba was the first monument built by King Dutugemunu. After his consecration, an ornate sword which contained a sacred relic of Buddha was left implanted on the bank on the seventh day of the water festival at the Tissa Wewa. Upon returning after his bath at the reservoir, the king couldn’t take out his sword after several attempts which led them to believe that it was a miracle, hence the building of this dagoba on this location around the sword.

07. Thuparama Temple

Thuparama Temple is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka and the first to be built in the country after the introduction of Buddhism. It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa. It is sacred to the Buddhists for it is known to house the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha which was brought to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, son of King Ashoka of India.

08. Samadhi Buddha Statue

Samadhi Buddha Statue is a classic monument of Sinhalese art and sculpture. It stands tall at 2 meters and is a granite stone carving erected in a position of meditation (Samadhi) which was associated with Buddha’s first enlightenment and is one of the four Buddha statues that was placed around the Bodhi tree facing fundamental directions.

09. Jetavaranama Stupa and monastery

Jetavaranama Stupa and monastery was built in the 3rd century BCE. The magnificent Jetavaranama stupa was the largest brick structure in the world and the third-largest brick structure of any type.

Consisting of over 90 million bricks, this enormous bulbous stupa can get one be reflective and connect to its past with emotions of calm and serenity. Therefore it is well worth the visit for the scale of its structure shows the feat and determination at the time. Around it stand the ruins of a monastery that had housed 3000 monks.

10. Kuttam Pokuna

Kuttam Pokuna, known as the ‘Twin Ponds, is an architectural landscape built to be a bathing pool with terraces for the monks and it dates back to the 8th century.

11. Isurumuniya Viharaya

Isurumuniya Viharaya is a temple slightly built into a cave with a cliff. The rock that looks like it is rising out of a beautiful pond at the front of the cliff has intricate carvings of elephants. The Isurumuniya Viharaya is situated close to Tisa Wewa in Anuradhapura. There is a Viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. Isurumuniya is famous for its stone carvings, and the one known as “Isurumuniya Lovers” is the most-admired and world-famous. The other carvings are of the Horseman, Elephant Pond and the Royal Family.

The Isurumuniya Viharaya was constructed during the regime of Devanampiya Tissa who governed the ancient capital Anuradhapura. The temple was built as a monastic complex to house newly orientated monks. Some believe Isurumuni lovers are a symbol of Hindu god Shiva and Parvati. But according to Dr. Paranawithana it is believed that it’s a depiction of Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu and Asokamala, a poor lass whom the prince favored over the throne.

The Bathing Elephants are another stone carving admired by many. They make a remarkable impact as you enter the temple premises. The carvings differ in its representation. Therefore it is believed that the work was done by two sculptors with varied techniques, at different times.

The Man and the Horse is somewhat more enigmatic. Engraved into the rock face above the pond is a man seated next to a horse. The man sits in a “King posture”. His left arm stretches vertically down where the hand is placed palm downwards. His right arm is resting on his right leg bent at the knee.

The Royal Family carving is carved on a Granite plate. There are five human figures. The human figure in the center is King Dutugemunu, who has a crown on his head and a “Puna Noola” around his chest. At his left are another two figures that are fanning him and the rest are believed to be his family.

Just beyond the temple, is the Tissawewa. It is said that the Isurumuniya Temple and the massive tank were built at the same time.

12. Mihintale

Mihintale is the cradle of Buddhism and has been cited a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and the world. Aside from pilgrims, tourists visit this site and climb its hill to witness the several monastic religious shrines including a grandiose 40 feet stupa which was built in the 1st century BC, paying homage to its significance.

13. Aukana Buddha Statue

Aukana Buddha Statue holds prestige in the historical chronicles as being one of the tallest standing statues of Buddha in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the district of Anuradhapura and is steeped in rich history. It was formerly known as Kalagal Viharaya in the 18th century probably due to the reason it is few kilometers away from the Kala Wewa (reservoir) which was created by King Dathusena in the 4th century. It was given the name, Aukana in recent years.

The fine sculpture of the Buddha statue gives credit to the artistry and skill of the craftsmen since this colossal statue stands at a mighty height of 42 feet. The skills were evident in this creation where a drop of rain would eventually flow along a path over the statue and falls below to a point at the feet that protects the entire statue.

The sacred bare feet, the folds and creases in the robes, the posture of the arms and the looks of serenity and calm of the face give evidence of love and dedication that was incorporated into creating this masterpiece.

This statue is one of which was molded with each body part being in proportion and it was also believed that it follows the Maha Vihara tradition which means the fearless form is shown.

It was believed that Lord Buddha had 32 features that reflected his enlightenment and importance; some of which are internal and others are external. However, it is the skills of the craftsmen to be precise in showing these features correctly and visible. Therefore, the Aukana Buddha statue shows approximately 16 features that can be clearly seen.

14. Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya

Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya is located along the A9 road (Kandy-Jaffna highway.), This little stupa is part of a complex that was built by King Devanampiyatissa during his reign in 250-210 BC. It was built after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka and although it is not the original structure, it was re-created in the early 20th century after excavations had unearthed an ancient Naga Gala (Snake Stone) and a footprint of Lord Buddha known as Sri Pathul Gala. The discovered Naga stone gives evidence of a Naga tribal community/identity that had existed during the pre-Buddhist period of ancient Lanka. The Sri Pathul Gala is a relic of the past giving a clue that Lord Buddha did descend upon Lanka.

A carving of a white dragon sits at the entrance of the rock and a short ascend up the steps reveal a golden Buddha statue and of King Devanampiyatissa which stands near the balustrades. As you reach the top of the plateau, you would see the main temple as of Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya, where devotees or pilgrims visit to seek blessings or give offerings. This complex holds a cave room on the side and gives gorgeous panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings.

This cave room has an ancient statue referred to as Arahath Guhawa, this reflects the legendary belief that Arahath along with several other Buddhist monks had arrived first to this historical region before reaching Mihintale; hence the translation of Isinbassagala as ‘the rock that the sage came from.’ The word “Isi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Rishi” (The Sage).

15. Folk Museum

For travelers interested in the rural life of Sri Lanka, the folk museum is the best place to be visited. It is a must to see the folk museum of Anuradhapura aimed to collect, conserve and exhibit religious sculptures, statues, ornaments, handicrafts, antiques, and explanatory displays while providing information used by the rural community around Nuwara Kalaviya area. Apart from traveling whole over the sites, it is a great opportunity to gain information and knowledge from this showcase of archeology, the folk museum in Anuradhapura. The museum simply exhibits the life patterns and styles of Sinhala peasantry in Anuradhapura. In the case of modern technology and machines, gradually they had been transferred into a new way of living while saying goodbye to their customs and old habits. During the 12 – 15 A.D, the kingdom was commuted to coastal and up countries due to the foreign invasions.

Therefore most of the community had to change their native places. The rest had to survive their lives in their own. Living models of the objects and tools which were used in their day to day lives can be seen at the museum. Therefore the museum is a commendation to the peasant of that era. Regarding the peasant kitchen, all the fascinating objects can be seen like molds which were used to make milk rice and kokis, mats which were used to steam string hoppers, sticks which were used to form talapa etc. Even the traditional dresses like sarees, cheeththa, blouses and sarongs are exhibited in the museum. Necklaces like Kara mala, Gedi mala on the other hand waist chains and bangles were shown in the showcases.

In combination with the simple lifestyle Folk games like Olinda keliya, chak gudu, kubuttan pila were symbolized in the museum. It is highlighted that the ancient Sinhala medical practices were quite reasonable. Even today Local Sinhala medicine practices are capable of treating, curing listed dangerous diseases.

Udella (mamotee), Ketta, Pihiya (knife), porawa (axe) and so many tools were shown at the same place which was used at the Chena cultivations. Labu gediya, accessed as the water bottle while the bath malu or food basket was used to carry the meals of the farmers. Various kinds of Ploughs and clappers were also included in the museum. Thus the folk museum is a showcase of archeology in Anuradhapura.

16. Basawakkulama Wewa

Basawakkulama reservoir, in other words, the Abhayawapiya wewa is one of the three men made reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Local and foreign travelers to Anuradhapura never miss the tank, Abhayawapiya as they are waiting to see the panoramic sunset over the Wewa . It is a better opportunity for tourists who are waiting to enjoy the tour. Swarnamali maha Dagoba besides the Abhayagiri wewa has added some colors to the scenery. Consequently, it was built by King Pandukhabhaya who ruled the kingdom around 377-307 B.C As a first step to the irrigation system of ancient Anuradhapura. Basawakulama is designed to restore water which is gained from rain and distributed throughout the kingdom. Abhayawapiya wewa is capable of bare of 1910 acre-feet water capacity. The capacity of the tank is about 174 ha of water. The bund is 3900 feet in length and 15.5 in average depth.

The prime service of the wewa is to facilitate and provide safe water and sanitation services for the pilgrims and citizens while providing irrigation facilities for 450 acres. Even in the monsoon season, the Abhayawapiya Wewa hasn’t been flourished ever. The wewa contains a Biso kotuwa , Pita wana (Overt flow of water), Sorowwa (Outflow of water) which added significance to the construction.

Evidence archeologists define that it as one of the proud ancient irrigation systems in Sri Lanka. In fact, it was the first-ever built tank that is filled with up to 5 feet in height at any time. King Pandukabhaya built this wewa in 437 B.C after ending an everlasting battle with his uncles, to survive his legacy to the throne. He was the pioneer of building the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He ruled the kingdom for 70 years. In addition to the concept ‘Wewai Dagebai Gamai Pancalai ‘ (Tank and Dagoba-Village and temple) which was originated and illustrated among Sinhalese was ensured. Sinhalese were advanced in building artificial reservoirs and canals with complex irrigation systems in the past. This knowledge was extended during the time of King Panudkabhaya as well as under King Parakrmabahu and King Dathusena. King Pandukabhaya is the creator of Abahya wewa, Jaya wewa, and Gamini Wewa. It should be pointed out that the reigned kings have done a great service to the development of agriculture and Irrigation systems in Sri Lanka.

17. Nuwara wewa

Nuwarawewa reservoir is a great destination to discover the history of Sri Lanka. Nuwara wewa is one of the men made reservoirs out of the 3 main reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Basawakkulama (Abhaya wewa) and the Tissa wewa are the other 2 reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Nuwara wewa has existed off the right bank of the Malwathu Oya. Nuwara wewa is a great example to elaborate the irrigation technology of ancient Sri Lanka. It was built by King Valagamba in other names King Vattagamini Abhaya in the 1st century BCE.

Archeologists say that it belongs to the 1st century, yet it has been proved the bricks used to make Abhayagirir dagoba and Nuwara wewa are similar in size.

Thus Sri Lanka was invaded by Chola invaders from South India several times. The brunt of the reservoir is about 3 miles in length while it is 37 feet in height. However, most of the rocks which were used to build this dam were removed to construct a road bridge across the Malwatu Oya. Therefore a canal was designed to bring water to Nuwara wewa. The canal was wide in 40 feet. The water depth was about 4 feet and 150 feet from the dam.

18. Kala Wewa

Kala Wewa, built by the King Dhathusena, who ruled the country during 455 – 473 CE in the 5th century, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters. This reservoir complex has facilitated with a stone made spillway and three main sluices. The water of the tank was transferred to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura by an ancient 54 miles (86.9 Km) long canal called Jaya Ganga alias Yodha Ela, which has a fine slope of one foot per mile, but according to some historians, it is one inch per mile. It is another wonder of a primeval hydraulic engineering facility in ancient Ceylon.

Tamil invaders who arrived from South India ruled the north part of the country during the period from 429 to 455 AD. King Dhathusena defeated the invaders and united the country and then he wanted to rebuild the irrigation system by constructing several tanks, canals, etc., in and around the kingdom of Anuradhapura.

After completion of the construction of Kala Wewa, king Dhathusena built another tank called Balalu Wewa nearby and connected the two tanks together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. King Mahinda ii, who ruled the country during 777 – 797 CE expanded the tank further.
There is a 12-meter high standing statue of Lord Buddha created by the same ruler. This statue is named after the village it is situated so it is called Avukana Buddha Statue and it can be seen over-looking at the Kala Wewa nearby.

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