Anuradhapura - A World Heritage

Anuradhapura - A World Heritage 

• Sacred City of Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in thick jungle for a long time, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is once again accessible. )
• ANURADHAPURA ( The city of Anuradhapura is situated one hundred and twenty eight miles (205 km) north of Colombo in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka on the banks of the Malwatu Oya. Founded in the 4th century BC it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AC. During this period it reminded one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. )
• Anuradhapura: Its origin, fall and revival ( As legend has it, over 2500 years ago in 500 B.C., Sakya, brother of Princes Badda Kanchana laid the foundation for the city of Anuradhapura under the Asterim Anuradha, auspiciously aspected by the planets. )
• Ruwanveliseya - The Wondrous Stupa Built by Gods and Men ( PDF file: Compiled from Thupavansa,the Singhalese Chronicle on Ruvanveli-seya,by The Most Venerable Tripitaka Teacher Nauyana Ariyadhamma Maha Thera )
• Abhayagiri Vihara - The Northem Monastery (Uttararamaya) - Anuradhapura ( The term Abhayagiri Vihara means not only a complex of monastic buildings, but also a fraternity of Buddhist monks, or Sangha, which maintained its own historical records, traditions and way of life. Founded in the second century B.C., it had grown into an international institution by the first century of this era, attracting scholars from all over the world and encompassing all shades of Buddhist philosophy.)
• Ancient Marble carvings of Sri Lanka (Marble carvings found at the Jethawanaramaya Dagaba site in Anuradhapura is believed to be at least 1,600 years old. )
• The Samadhi Buddha statue (The Samadhi statue is symbolic of the tranquillity of mind, with no attraction or repulsion from the world out side to disturb. This Pilima Vahanse is said to belong to the Abeygiriya period of the 3rd or 4th century of Sri Lanka s history. )
• Isurumuniya ( 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. )