Ruwanwelisaya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the most significant and venerated stupas in the country. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C., it stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lanka. The stupa is renowned for its massive size and distinctive design, featuring a dome that rises to a height of approximately 338 feet with a circumference of 950 feet. Ruwanwelisaya holds great religious importance for Buddhists as it is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the most sacred and ancient trees in the world. It is a fig tree (Ficus religiosa) believed to have been grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Planted in 288 BC, it is considered the oldest living human-planted tree with a known planting date. The site is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and is surrounded by a temple complex that includes several other important religious monuments.
Jetavanaramaya in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the largest and most significant stupas in the world. Built by King Mahasena during the 3rd century AD, this ancient structure stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of ancient Sri Lanka. At its peak, Jetavanaramaya was the third tallest structure in the world, surpassed only by the Egyptian pyramids. The stupa, which enshrines a relic of the Buddha's belt, is part of the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colossal brick monument covers approximately 5.6 hectares and originally stood over 120 meters tall.
Isurumuniya is a renowned ancient rock temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which holds significant historical and cultural importance. The temple is famous for its intricate rock carvings and sculptures, most notably the "Isurumuniya Lovers," a captivating depiction of a couple believed to represent royal figures. The temple complex also includes a small museum displaying various artifacts and relics that provide insight into the region's rich history.
The Samadhi Statue in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a renowned ancient statue depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, also known as "Samadhi." Crafted from granite, this iconic statue dates back to the 4th century AD and stands at about 7 feet tall. The statue is notable for its serene and peaceful expression, embodying the calm and composed demeanor of the Buddha. It is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture in Sri Lanka and is a significant site for both pilgrims and tourists.
Mirisawetiya Vihara is a significant Buddhist stupa located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Dutugemunu around the 2nd century BCE. The stupa stands as a symbol of ancient Sinhalese architectural ingenuity and is one of the sixteen sacred sites (Solosmasthana) venerated by Buddhists. According to legend, King Dutugemunu constructed Mirisawetiya after a miraculous event involving his sceptre, which contained relics of the Buddha.
Planning a trip?
