Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Anuradhapurara

 

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Anuradhapura (අනුරාධපුරය) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura flourished as the Capital of Sri Lanka since 377 BC by King Pandukabhaya till the end of the reign 1017 AD king Mahinda V and was the Royal Seat for 1400 years under 130 kings as the capital of the Country being one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka precisely famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhalese civilization. The city is known to be a world heritage site now. The city lies 205 km (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province on the banks of the historic Malwathu river. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight world heritage sites of Sri Lanka. Although, according to historical records the city was founded in the 5th century BC and the archaeological data put the date as far back as the 10th century BC.

During the King Devanampiya Tissa (247 BC - 207 BC) Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Indian emperor Ashoka from Maury Dynasty and after that Sri Lanka become a Buddhist country Untill today Majority of Sri Lankan are practicing Buddhism.

 

Local People believe that Anuradhapura began with one of the provincial governors and his name was Anura where he commenced as a city (Puraya in Sinhala) with the auspicious asterism named Abhaya. The Anuradhapura name also comes with this incident, Anura abhaya puraya is dedected to Anuradhapuraya.

 

Brief information about the Historical & Beautiful around Anuradhapura

Ø  Sri Maha Bodhiya (The Sacred Bo Tree) - Sri Maha Bodhiya is a Bodhi tree that has many religious values that you can find in Anuradhapura sacred city. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha enlightened. It was planted in 288 BC and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven. Sanghamitta Therini, a sister of Arhat Mahinda – who introduced the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. The Sacred Bodhi tree is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world which has been tended by an continuous succession of guardians for over 2000 years, even during the periods of Indian occupation.

Ø  Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanweliseya Pagoda) - The Ruwanweliseya Stupa and a hemispherical structure containing relics in Sri Lanka is considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. Two quarts or one Drona of the Gothama Buddha's relics are enshrined here which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere. It was built by King Duttagamini (KIng Dutugemunu)By 140 B.C. The King Duttamanini was taken the Kingship of entire Sri Lanka after a war with the Chola King Elara and was defeated. RuwanweliSeya Stupa also known as "Mahathupa", "Swarnamali Chaitya", "Suvarnamali Mahaceti" (in Pali) and "Rathnamali Dagaba". This is one of the "Solosmasthana" (the 16 places of veneration) and the "Atamastana" (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa is one of the world's tallest ancient monuments standing at 103M (338 ft) and with a circumference of 290M (951 ft). The original stupa had been about 55M (180 ft) in height and was renovated by many kings.

Ø  Abhayagiri Monastery - Abhayagiri monastery which is commonly known by Abhayagiri Viharaya eracted in the second century BC by king Valagamba. Abhayagiri Stupa is the second largest stupa in Sri Lanka which stands tall at 74.98 meters to the tip of the spire by creating the main attraction of this complex. The Chinese monk Fa-hsien visited Abhayagiri in the 5th century and lived two years there copying Buddhist texts which he took back to China. During Fa-hsien’s time at Abhayagiri Viharaya, he also made written records about his life and experience at Abhayagiri monastery. In his descriptions Fa-hsien has mentioned that Abhayagiri stupa has been 400 feet in height and this Stupa has been decorated with gold, silver and all kind of jewelries. 

Ø  Mihintale - Mihintale is a mountain peak which is located almost 18 kilometers east to the Anuradhapura sacred city. Mihintale is considered as the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization. This area has many ruins and caves here which archaeologists believe that these were used by monks. Mihintale consisted of 1840 steps with a beautiful surrounding area.  Sri Lankans believe that more than 2300 years ago: The great apprentice of Lord Buddha, Arhat Maha Mahinda Thero (Arahat Mihindu Thero) discoursed the Buddhist doctrine to the King Devanampiyatissa on the top of Mihintale. This great event is celebrated annually as a festival at Mihintale on the Poson full moon poya (June Full Moon Day).

Ø  Samadhi Buddha Statue - Samadhi Buddha Statue is a dolomite marble statue which can be seen in Mahamevnawa park, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka. Samadhi statue is considered as one of the best carvings in the Anuradhapura era which was thought to be constructed in the 3rd or the 4th century. Some people believe that Samadhi Buddha Statue was complted within a 72 hours. The statue itself stands 7 feet & 3 inches in height. The lord Buddha is shown in the position of the Dhyana Mudra: The posture of meditation associated with his first enlightenment. In 1886 the Samadhi statue was found in the current location fallen to the ground with breakage to the nose. After that, The nose was reconstructed. At present the Samadhi statue is covered by a concrete structure that has somewhere spoiled the beauty of this statue. People say that Samadhi statue shows three different features when you look at the face of the statue from three sides. When looking at the face from right to left, The statue shows a slight sadness and a bit smile on the other. when looking at the front statue, we can realize that it shows a neutral posture. Samadhi Buddha statue’s eyes indicate that they were imprinted with crystal or gems.

Ø  Isurumuniya Temple Anuradhapura – Isurumuniya: Typically known by Isurumuniya Viharaya is a buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura near the Tissa Wewa. The temple was built during the period of King Devanampiya Tissa. The viharaya is connected to a cave and above it is the presence of a cliff where a Stupa is being built. Isurumuniya lovers, Elephant pond and the Royal family are the four carvings of special interest in this viharaya. The vihara itself is built on a rock and the sacred tooth relic of Buddha has been originally kept here when it was arrived to the island from India in the 312 AC. At the entrance to the rock temple is a large pond. Above the pond there is a carving of bathing elephants and on the top-level of the stairs there is another carving of a man seated in a royal pose and a horse head. The top carving is thought to be the carving of Agni and Parjanya. Parjanya is the god for rain. The elephants below represent the clouds. With this interpretation, It is believed that this place was also used by the king to perform ceremonies for rain God. The stupa and the Buddha image in this temple are of recent origin.

Ø  Isurumuniya Lovers - This carved stone shows the prince Saliya whose son of the great king Dutugamunu and his mistress Asokamala were known as 'Isurumuniya Pem Yuwala (Isurumuniya Lovers)'.  Asokamala was of a lower caste called “Chandala” and the prince Saliya gave up the right to be the king by marrying this girl of a lower caste. Another belief is that this couple represents the God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi of Hindu belief.

Ø  Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond) - Eth Pokuna or the Elephant Pond is a giant man-made water pond which is located close to Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura. It has the capacity of 75,000 cubic meters of water with the dimensions of 159 M in length, 52.7 M across and 9.5 M in depth. This pond has used a network method of underground canals to get water from the Periyakulam Tank which is still evident through the water lines made out of stone blocks. Eth Pokuna is another engineering marvel of ancient Anradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed that this pond was used by the monks of the Abhayagiri Monastery who amounted over five thousand priests. Back in the third century AC Eth Pokuna is believed to be the largest man-made pond built in the ancient era of Sri Lanka.

Ø  Sandakada Pahana - Sandakada Pahana or the moonstone is a decoratively carved semi circled granite or gneiss slab. Moonstones are usually placed at the bottom of entrances and staircases which is a unique feature of the ancient Sri lankan architecture. As of Mahayana belief: Sandakada Pahana describes all stages of human life and by lotus represents Nirwana because of that they place it on the top of the entrance Sandakada. Pahana was first created during the latter stage of the Anuradhapura era. Those moonstones shows the highest level of creativity. These caparisoned carvings of the Sandakada Pahana is given several interpretations by the scholars. Prof. Senerat Paranavitana’s interpretations is something valuable.“The outer motif represents the world on fire that symbolizes desire. The next ring of animals depict the four states of birth, disease, ageing, and death. Going beyond these sorrows on your path of emancipation: There is the creeper and leaves that symbolize the life force. When you surpass this craving you can reach the swan representing purification. And the lotus at the center represents Brahma worlds.”

Ø  Nuwara Wewa (Nuwara Lake) - Nuwara wewa is a huge man made tank located in the heart of Anuradhapura City. Nuwara wewa or the Tank in the City was built by the King Valagamba during his time crossing the Malvathu river which is another prosperous river flowing to the coast of Mannar. Nuwara wewa is one of the top 10 largest manmade tanks in the country that consist of water about 150 million cubic meters. It covers about 4000 hectares of area with a 4 km long Dam. Even today it serves to the people of Anuradhapura by supplying the water for agriculture and also for human deeds.

 

Climate:

Anuradhapura lies 80m above sea level. The climate here is tropical. The summers are much rainier than the winters in Anuradhapura. In Anuradhapura, the average annual temperature is 30°C  (86°F). April is the warmest month of the year. The temperature in April averages 34 °C (93.2°F). The lowest average temperatures in the year occurs in January when it is around 25°C (77°F). In an year, the rainfall is about 1255 mm. The driest month is June with 44 mm of rain. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in November with an average of 237 mm.

 

How To Reach Anuradhapura:

By Train:

Anuradhapura train station is situated on the Northen railway line and daily few trains are running on both ways.

 

Colombo to Anuradhapura Train Time Table ( Daily)

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
4077	Yal devi Express	2nd & 3rd	6.35am	10.40am
4081	Jaffna	2nd & 3rd	8.50am	2.00pm
4017	Uttara Devi Intercity	2nd & 3rd	11.50am	3.30pm
4085	Rajarata Rejini Express	2nd & 3rd	1.15pm	6.30pm
4003	Sri Devie Intercity Express	2nd & 3rd	3.55pm	7.20pm
5067	Talai Mannar Pier Night Mail	2nd & 3rd	7.15pm	12.00pm
4089	Kankesanthurai Night Mial	2nd & 3rd	9.00pm	1.20pm

 

Anuradhapura to Colombo Train Time Table

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
4086	Rajarata Rejini Express	2nd & 3rd	4.45am	10.20am
4004	Sri Devie Intercity Express	2nd & 3rd	6.45am	10.25am
4018	Uttara Devi Intercity	2nd & 3rd	9.05am	1.05pm
4081	Jaffna	2nd & 3rd	10.30am	4.00pm
4078	Yal devi Express	2nd & 3rd	1.35pm	6.35pm
4090	Night Mail	2nd & 3rd	10.55pm	4.00am

 

 

By Road:

From Colombo you can find three roads to reach Anuradhapura. First is, Colombo to Ambepussa (A1 Road /Colombo – Kandy Main road) then turn left at Ambepussa clock tower junction to take Ambepussa – Trincomalee Road (A6 Road) & while continuing this road till Dambulla Town take towards Kandy – Jaffna Main Road (A9 Road) till Thirappane Junction then turn left and then take Anuradhapura Road to reach Anuradhapura. Approximately it takes 5 hours & 30 min to reach Anuradhapura.

 

Second Road that you can use is Colombo to Katunayake by Airport Highway (E3). Then you need to exit from Katunayake exit and turn left to take Colomb–Puttalam main Road (A4) till Puttalam Town. After that Turn right to take Puttalam-Anuradhapura Road ( A12 Road) to reach Anuradhapura. It takes 5 hours & 30 min approximately to reach Anuradhapura.

 

Third Road is Colombo to Ambepussa (A1 Road /Colombo – Kandy Main road). Then turn left at Ambepussa clock tower junction to take Ambepussa – Trincomalee Road (A6 Road) & while continuing this road till Kurunegala Town: You need to take Kurunegala - Puttalam Road (A10 Road) and then turn right and take Padeniya - Anuradhapura Road (A28 Road) to reach Anuradhapura. Approximately it will take you 5 hours & 30 min to reach Anuradhapura.

 

Things To Do In Anuradhapura:

·         Worship At Sri Maha Bodhiya (The Sacred Bo Tree) - This place is an one of the Sri Lankan’s main Buddhist Sacred holy place in Anuradhapura. All travellers are coming to worship the Sacred Bo Tree.  

·         Worship at Ruwanweli Seya - Local People believe to worship at Ruwanweliseya area to actually have the feeling of realizing the universal energy. Many Sri Lankan Buddhist followers used to meditated nearby Ruwanweliseya Stupa.

·         Historical site tour on cycleing - If you wish to roam around Anuradapura Historical city by cycling only then you can hire a cycle and easily explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura

·         Worship at Mihintale - It's bit of hike to reach Mihintale temple and another small hike to reach the peak of Aradhana gala ( Aradhana Rock). This temple has many historical ruins and it’s a clam place for the Buddhist practice. 

 

 

Places To Visit In Anuradhapura:

·         Abhaya Wewa (Abhaya Lake)

·         Abhayagiriya Stupa

·         Isurumuniya Temple

·         Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya

·         Jethavanaramaya Stupa

·         Kaparamulaya

·         Katu seya Stupa

·         Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

·         Lankaramaya Stupa

·         Lowamahapaya

·         Malwathu River

·         Mihintale

·         Mirisawetiya Stupa

·         Ranmasu Uyana

·         Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

·         Samadhi Buddha Statue

·         Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

·         Star Gate

·         Thissa Wewa

·         Thuparama Stupa

 

Abhaya Wewa (Abhaya Lake)

Abhaya Wewa (Abhaya Lake)

Abhaya Wewa (Abhaya Lake)

Abhaya Wewa (Abhaya Lake)

Abhayagiriya Stupa

Abhayagiriya Stupa

Abhayagiriya Stupa

Abhayagiriya Stupa

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya

Jethavanaramaya Stupa

Jethavanaramaya Stupa

Kaparamulaya

Kaparamulaya

Kaparamulaya

Kaparamulaya

Katu seya Stupa

Katu seya Stupa

Katu seya Stupa

Katu seya Stupa

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pond)

Lankaramaya Stupa

Lankaramaya Stupa

Lowamahapaya

Lowamahapaya

Lowamahapaya

Lowamahapaya

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Mihintale

Palace of King Vijayaba

Palace of King Vijayaba

Palace of King Vijayaba

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

Ruwanweliaseya Stupa

 Samadhi Buddha Statue

 Samadhi Buddha Statue

 Samadhi Buddha Statue

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Star Gate

Star Gate

Star Gate

Thuparama Stupa

Thuparama Stupa

Thuparama Stupa

Anuradhapura Village