The Holy City of Anuradhapura - Free Ticket Tricks. How to get to Anuradhapura from Trincomalee. Sacred Sites of Anuradhapura

Hello friends. We talked about the ancient first capital of Sri Lanka. But it’s not enough to tell - you always want to know what interesting things you can see and where to look in a new place. In it - Old city representing unusual place. On the one hand, this is archaeological zone, on the other - a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Buddhists. Numerous tourists do not lag behind believers. What is here? All the main attractions of Anuradhapura. We will tell about them today.

I will say right away that the territory of the old city is huge, if you want to see everything, you should take a tuk-tuk and move around on it. Drivers know where it is best to drive up to drop you off, where you can park without a fine, where to meet us. It's comfortable. We did just that. After a little haggling (this must be done), we agreed on $10 and off we went.

As you can see, the main, fully restored objects of the old city are:

• Isuruminia rock monastery
• Temple and Bodhi Tree
• Museum
• Stupas

But of course, interesting objects more. Old Anuradhapura is a huge area of ​​about 20 by 20 km. Walk - do not bypass. But since the sights of Anuradhapura belong to the Sinhala Buddhist culture, there is much we do not understand. Well, dagobas and dagobas, I saw one - you know everything. However, it was interesting for us, including observing people. For believers, everything here is full of meaning.

In the IV century BC. Buddhism came to the island. At the same time, a branch of the Bo tree appeared here.

Isurumuniya Vihara

English Isurumuniya Vihara (Originally Meghagiri Vihara)

Here begins the territory of the old city. In 1950, all residents from this territory were relocated to New town.

The rock palace was built in 307-267 BC. for 500 monk boys from the upper class. Located in the rocks, next to Lake Tisza. Transferred to the disposal of the community of monks. The Isurumuniya temple was one of the buildings of the largest monastery in Anuradhapura.

Here are:

• two temples - old and new

buddha statues

• mortar

• Lake Tisza
• sculptures

• museum

bodhi tree

Full name: Mahabodhi Tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi)

One of the most famous Buddhist shrines in the whole world. The Bodhi Tree, or simply, the Bo Tree is very old, it is 2250 years old. It is grown from a branch of a tree (ficus) in the city of Bodh Gaya, under which Prince Gautami became an enlightened Buddha.

In the 19th century, the main trunk of the Mahabodhi tree in Anuradhapura was cut down by an English fanatic, but a small trunk remained, which is now revered and held up with golden props.

The monks tending the tree take young shoots and grow new trees. There are many Bodhi trees on the temple grounds.

Bronze Palace (Loja Pasada)

Another name is Lovamahapaya. The palace is located next to the sacred tree. Built for monks.

This amazing building is 2000 years old. It was built under the legendary Anuradhapura ruler Dutugamunu.

Everyone writes that the temple has 9 floors, but I have no idea how high they should be if the height of the entire temple is 4 meters. The temple has over 1000 rooms. Now we hardly see them. There are 1600 columns along the perimeter. Here it is, please. True, while the columns are concrete, they make a strange look, but it's impressive. Once upon a time, the columns were decorated with silver slabs.

The roof is shaped like a pyramid, its vaults were decorated with copper tiles to make it shine in the sun.

The legend says that appearance building taken from the vision of the monks.

A group of monks saw the temple while meditating. They sketched what they saw with red arsenic and brought the drawing to the king.

The first temple was built of wood and burned down during one of the fires. Today, only the mention of him and the columns remain.

Around the Bodhi tree is the historical territory of Anuradhapura. Long Alley - the ancient street of the city comes from the temple of the Bo tree.

Along it are huge religious buildings shaped like a bell. These are dagobas or stupas.

Dagoba or Stupa - Buddhist architectural and sculptural monolithic monumental and place of worship, which has a hemispherical shape. Initially, the stupa was a reliquary, and then became a monument erected in honor of some event in Buddhism. Historically, it goes back to burial mounds built for the burial of kings or leaders. Wikipedia

Mirisaveti Dagoba

English Mirisaweti Stupa

The legend tells: King Dutugamunu with a harem went to Lake Tisza, where the Water Festival was held. He stuck his staff (scepter) into the soft earth, in which the relic was hidden (most likely a piece of Buddha's bone).

Some time later, while preparing to return to the palace, the king found that neither he nor any of his retinue could pull the staff out of the ground - it took root and grew into the ground. Dutugamunu regarded this as a sign from above - the relic should remain in this place, and decided to build a dagoba over the staff.

Mirisaveti

The construction of the building took 3 years. The stupa was rebuilt in the 10th century.

You have already understood that inside each stupa there is a reliquary in which some kind of shrine is kept. It can be a piece of Buddha's bone, his alms bowl, a belt, even a footprint or. The Dagobah may be a monument to the event.

English Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

To see the next stupa, you need to go to the Basavakkulam reservoir.

Ruvanveli Dagoba was built in the II - I centuries AD.

The most famous building King Dutugemun. It is also called the White Stupa or Mahatupa, which means "great stupa".

The stupa houses the Buddha's begging bowl.

The building is huge. It covers an area of ​​120 hectares.

At present, its height is more than 90 meters, and the diameter at the base is 91 meters.

And this is how the stupa looks on a holiday:

We watched the embellishment take place. This can be seen in the photo report.

Ruvanveli Stupa

The foundation of the stupa is made of golden gravel. It is placed on a pedestal. It looks impressive, solemn and mysterious - there are bas-reliefs of 400 elephants on the pedestal. The symbolic and cosmogonic meaning is that the World stands on Elephants.

Elephants participated in the construction of the Ruvanveli dagoba. Each elephant's leg was tied with a leather cloth.

The king personally supervised the work. He watched how the relic chamber for the Buddha bowl was created and watched how the bowl was hidden inside.

During the construction, delegations from various parts of India came to the stupa, 30,000 monks from Alexandria (in the Caucasus) led by the Indo-Greek monk Mahadharmarakshita (Mahadharmaraksita).

In 1839 the dagoba was rebuilt.

Sanctuary

Near Ruvanveli there is a sanctuary with 5 statues telling about the incarnations of the Buddha. Refer to one of them Special attention. This is a statue of a meditating Buddha. It is believed that she is a portrait of King Duthugamunu. (I have told quite a lot about Datugumunu in the previous article).

Nearby is a smaller copy of the entire sanctuary.

The legend of the stupa and the death of Dutugamunu

King Dutugamunu did not see the completion of the work - the complex was completed after his death by the son of the king. But the Sri Lankans tell a touching story about last hours the life of Duthugamun.

Ruvanveli Stupa is the favorite brainchild of the king. He dreamed of seeing the building completed, but his health was getting worse and the king held on to the last of his strength. Feeling his imminent death, he hurried his brother, who was now in charge of the construction. And the brother said that there was not much left, although unexpected difficulties delayed the completion of the building.

Seeing that the king was dying, and wishing to make him happy, the brother announced the good news that the stupa was ready. The king was so inspired that his strength returned for a while and he decided to see the creation before his death.

The palanquin with the king was moving towards the dagoba, on the way the king met his old friend, who has now become a monk. They talked about the mortality of old men and how rulers are reborn in the celestial sphere of Tushita immediately after death.

The king died happy, never knowing that his brother Tissa went to deceit: knowing that the king's eyesight had become completely weak, the brother pulled the purest white fabric over the frame. Dutugamunu was sure that the stupa was completed.

In fact, it was only half built.

Jetavana Dagobah

English Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

If you leave the complex and go through the Jetavanarama monastery, you will see another huge stupa.

This is Jetavana Dagoba, the highest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built in the III century BC. where the Nandana gardens were. Here, for seven days, the son of King Ashoka, Prince Arahat Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka, read a sermon.

Jetavana is a modified Indian word for Jotivana. It translates as "the place where the rays of liberation shone."

Each stupa holds a shrine. Inside this stupa is the belt of the Buddha.

Jetavana Dagoba is the tallest brick building in the world. Of the ancient structures, only two pyramids in Giza are higher than it.

The stupa was completely destroyed. Restoration work began only in 1981. Since then, the dagoba has been open to pilgrims, and services are held here.

If we consider the main historical document Sinhalese kingdom - the chronicles of Mahavasma, then we will learn the details of the construction and features of this dagoba.

At its base is an ideal circle with a diameter of 122 meters, which is difficult to do without special measuring tools.

It is known that the construction of this dagoba took about 90 million bricks.

Thuparam Stupa

Anngl. Thuparama Dagoba

Anuradhapura's oldest dagoba. Built in the III century BC.

Located next to Jetavana Dagoba. The oldest dagoba of Tuparam.

The first stupa meant that the king of Sri Lanka had adopted Buddhism.

In the 19th century it was faced with marble.

Abhayagiri dagoba

English Abayagiri Dagoba. It is also called Abyagiri Dagoba.

In the north of the complex are the ruins of the Abhayagiri monastery. It was built specifically for the monks who were expelled from the main monastery.

The monks were declared heretics, but in fact they created the Mahayana Buddhist movement, more liberal than the mainstream.

Abyagiri Dagoba is the center of this current.

This is what Abhayagiri Dagaba looked like quite recently

Inside the monastery there is another interesting dagoba.

During its foundation (XII century) it was the second highest in the Capital.

Tradition says that it was built right above the place where the Buddha's foot touched the ground.

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Pools)

There is a unique building on the territory of the Abyagiri monastery. These are twin pools built by the masters of the ancient capital.

The name should not confuse you, the pools are not identical. The length of one is 40 meters, the other is only 28 meters. But this is not the main thing: the local water purification system is much more interesting, because the water in the pools is clear and clean.

The pools are considered to be an example of significant achievements in the field of hydro-engineering and architectural-artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese.

Before entering the tanks, the water passes through a series of narrow underground channels, is filtered by sand and earth, entering the pool completely cleaned of dirt and debris.

For the pools, granite slabs were cut to include the bottom and sides of the pool. And around the pool, a wall is built that encloses and secures the connection.

The entrance to the pool is decorated with a lion's head and an image of a snake, on the walls of the bowl of abundance.

Real live turtles are splashing in the pools themselves.

Finally, we want to give you some useful tips:

Show respect for other religions. A famous scandal erupted in Anuradhapura a few years ago when our tourist was put in jail. She wanted to take a memorable photo against the backdrop of the sacred ancient statue Buddha. They say she turned her back, but I think it was something more serious.

This is the statue of Buddha.

• Dagoba needs to be bypassed in a certain direction - clockwise. This is a ritual bypass, corresponding to the culture of Buddhism.

By the way, in Hinduism it is customary to make a detour as well - clockwise. It is believed that witches and sorcerers for the sake of their black deeds, go counterclockwise.

• To visit any religious places Sri Lanka, we recommend dressing modestly, in accordance with Buddhist requirements: legs are covered (not shorts), shoulders are covered (not a T-shirt).
• Take off your shoes in front of the temple and leave them in a specially designated place or put them in a bag and carry them with you.
• Enter the temple barefoot. If the stoves are very cold or vice versa - they are hot in the sun, go in socks, but without shoes.
• When visiting sights that are far from the noise and roads, be careful: there may be snakes and monitor lizards in the grass.

And having gained strength, we were to move to Anuradhapura - ancient capital Sri Lanka. In terms of the number of attractions, Anuradhapura ranks first in Sri Lanka and we planned to spend a couple of days on it, but everything turned out quite differently ...

How to get from Negombo to Anuradhapura.
There seem to be no direct buses from Negombo to Anuradhapura, so you must first get to Kurunegala, and then transfer to a bus to Anuradhapura. At 6 o'clock in the morning we got up, packed our things, had a bite to eat, paid off the owners of the guesthouse and caught a passing tuker, with whom we agreed to get to the bus station for 250 rupees. At the bus station, we were kindly told the number of the required bus, we threw our bags next to the driver's seat and waited for the departure.

Sri Lanka transport.
Sri Lanka is well developed transport connection between cities, and there are options that are different in terms of budget and speed. Most cheap option ride on old red buses, but they stop at every stop and drive very slowly, literally squeezing the last remaining strength from millions of motors. The second option, which we used most often, is the same large buses, but usually white. They rush from station to station at full speed. This driving is on the edge and how they are still alive is beyond me. At the beginning of each trip, buses stop near small houses with Buddha figurines. There, the controller leaves a small amount as a donation and takes some white powder, smears it on his forehead, the forehead of the driver and the steering wheel of the bus. Perhaps the secret of survival is precisely this. Or maybe in another - all the way the driver and the controller chew betel. These are the leaves of a local plant, which are sold on every corner, and according to the Sri Lankans are an excellent tonic. Teeth rot from it, and eyes become glassy, ​​but still they chew. The third option is to use the services of a high-speed minibus called "express". These are minibuses with exclusively seating places, they go fast, but the price is higher. In all buses, the controller accepts payment and even issues tickets. The driver only turns the steering wheel. Also, some use the services of tuk-tuks to move between cities, but this, in my opinion, is a mockery. They drive slowly, and the sound of the roar of the engine can drive you crazy on long journeys.

Do you need cheap flights to Sri Lanka?

Kurunegala.
In order to get to Kurunegala, we used the services of a large white bus, sat behind the driver. Usually these places are reserved for monks, but tourists are often put there too. For 2.5 hours and 190 rupees for two, we reached the Kurunegala bus station. They asked the bus drivers there, quickly found a bus to Anuradhapura, and at 9 o'clock we were already driving in the direction we needed. The fare for Kurunegala-Anuradhapura is Rs 140 per person (big white bus). At 11.30 we were at the Anuradhapura bus station. It is worth noting that there are two stations in Anuradhapura, a new one and an old one. First, the bus pulls into a new one that looks like a regular bus. bus stop with a bunch of buses, and then he goes to the old one, everything is more organized there, platforms and all that. Buses on long distance mostly depart from the old station.

Anuradhapura.
Near the old bus station, we turned to tukers with a question about housing. I wanted to find something in the region of 1500 rupees per night. While the tukers were arguing among themselves, a man drove up on a scooter and offered to check into his home guesthouse for 1200 rupees. We agreed to go and see his place. The owner of the guesthouse offered to use the services of one of the tukers. Here we made a mistake and did not agree on the price for a tuk-tuk in advance, we relied on a peasant. As a result, having reached the guesthouse that we liked, the tuker said that money for delivery was not needed and began to offer his services in organizing a tour of Anuradhapura and trump tickets that are not needed at all anywhere except for the Insurmuniya temple. We refused his services and he asked 400 rupees for delivery to the guesthouse, which is twice the expected price for a tuk. On objections, he began to cry that Sri Lanka was from e-tar country, vi ar pur people and vi hev but mani. The usual story is shorter. They paid him 300 to fall behind, having learned a lesson for the future - always negotiate a price in advance. By the way, when negotiating a price in guesthouses, also always ask if there are any additional taxes or fees, otherwise it may turn out to be a surprise later.

Tuker left, the owner said that the Buddha would punish him for such prices. And we settled in, asked him where you can have a bite to eat, what the weather is like and how long it takes to visit all the main attractions. In the process of communication, a friendly Sri Lankan offered us a tour of all the temples and dagobas for 4,000 rupees for two. For this money, he promised a tuk-tuk, his guide services and the notorious "tickets". Without thinking twice, we agreed that the price is not so high, but there is an opportunity to quickly see everything without bothering with the question of how to get to one place or another. We agreed on 4 pm and went to look for food.

The weather turned bad. In general, it rains at regular intervals in the center of the country. On the way from the guesthouse we met a lot of different animals - langur, palm squirrel and some kind of heron.

We were heading to the Food City supermarket, which we noticed while riding a tuk to the guest house. He was close and we reached him on foot. A little further down the road was a new bus station. In general, our location was very convenient. In the market we bought groceries for the evening, and on the second floor we ate fried fish in a Chinese restaurant. Portions are huge, prices are outrageous. For 1100 rupees, they ate from the belly. While they were eating, a strong tropical downpour started outside, which ended as suddenly as it began.

We returned exactly at 4 o'clock, in the courtyard of the guesthouse a tuk-tuk hired by the owner was already waiting for us. The weather seemed to have dispersed and we went to see the city.

Landmarks of Anuradhapura.
The first point of our tour was a Hindu temple. It was not included in our itinerary, but passing by, we asked to stop and have a look. In the temple, happy accident some sort of cleansing ceremony was performed. A family of parishioners sat on the floor, ministers walked around them with incense and sang songs. Our guide prayed, put white dots on our foreheads and told us about different Hindu gods. It was pretty interesting.

Vessagyria.
Then we went to the caves of the Vessagiriya monastery. This is a complex of several huge boulders and caves under them. The monks hid here from the rain and meditated. There are ancient inscriptions on the walls everywhere. And at the top there is a delightful view of the surroundings, everything is green and the spiers of various dagobas are everywhere. Immediately we spotted a few macaques and saw a flying peacock for the first time.

Insurmunia.
We arrived at the Buddhist temple of Insurmuniya in the rain, which charged with new force. We bought tickets for 200 rupees, left our shoes in front of the entrance (as is customary in all Buddhist temples) and went to “walk through the puddles”. Wet to the skin almost immediately, despite the presence of 2 umbrellas. The whole complex is very beautiful. On a small rise is an altar with lunar guard stones in front of the entrance. To the right is a small pool with elephants engraved on the rock. On the left is a small extension to the rock, inside which is the reclining Buddha. There is also a small historical museum dedicated to the temple of Insurmuniya nearby. And from the back of the temple is a staircase leading to the very top. Here is the main attraction of the temple - the footprint of the Buddha. By tradition, they throw a coin there and make a wish, which we took advantage of. By this time, the rain had stopped and the territory temple complex many langurs and palm squirrels appeared.

Stargate. Ranmasu-uyana.
Not far from the temple of Insurmuniya is the ruined archaeological complex of Ranmasu-uyana. Sri Lankans call it the Royal Pleasure Garden. Not far from each other there are 2 pools, one for women, the other for men. Approaching the complex, our guide asked if we believe in aliens and took us to a place where, according to legend, aliens left their marks on the stone. The figure shows something like a map of the universe.

Behind Ranmasu-uyan and Insurmuniya is the beautiful lake Tissa Ueva, which sparkled with all the colors in the sun, which came out after a heavy rain.

Stupa Mirissaveti.
The next point of our excursion was the stupa of Mirissaveti. Huge white dogoba. Its dimensions are simply unimaginable. To be honest, before planning a trip to Sri Lanka, I did not even suspect the existence of such architectural structures. Inside the dagoba or stupa (as it is also called), there is usually some kind of relic, but there is no entrance inside. We walked around it, took pictures and went to the next destination.

Sri Maha Bodhi
The sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, grown from the sprout of the Bodhi tree, under which Prince Gautama attained enlightenment and became a Buddha. The Sri Lankans say that this is the oldest tree on Earth. Some branches rest on golden supports, and below is a temple where thousands of pilgrims converge. We arrived just in time for the evening service. Musicians beat drums, music played, believers brought flowers to a tree and prayed. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered one of the main shrines of Sri Lanka.

Dagoba Ruanveli.
Behind the Sri Maha Bodhi tree is a wide alley. We walked along it to the dagoba Ruanveli. A huge white stupa, like Mirissaveti. It is considered the largest and oldest dagoba of Anuradhapura. Around it, in a single ensemble, there are 4 small stupas and a small temple with a reclining Buddha, inside which the monk told some story to the parishioners.

Thuparamaya Dagoba.
We approached this most beautiful dagoba, surrounded by pillars and small altars, already in the dark. Inside the Thuparamaya dagoba, a piece of the body of the Buddha himself is kept. Despite its modest size, this is one of the most beautiful stupas I have ever seen.

Jetavana Dagoba.
We did not get to this huge brick mortar. Night fell and they saw her only from afar. Tooker drove us as close as possible to take a photo, but without a tripod it was impossible. During the evening we saw so many dagobas that I think we didn’t lose anything.

Satisfied and full of emotions from what they saw, they went home, on the way they bought fruit at the night bazaar. By the way, the bananas here are small, half the size of those we are used to seeing, but they are sweet. And pineapples locals prefer to eat with salt and pepper. Upon returning to the guesthouse, I asked the hostess to peel and cut the pineapple. At my request, she also sprinkled half of the slices with salt and pepper. Delicious of course, but to be honest, I liked the slices without spices more. There will be an opportunity to try.

It was a very interesting day and we did not regret at all that we took our host as a guide. We ourselves would have walked here for 2 days and were pretty tired. So do the same if possible. The city is large and attractions are far from each other.

Before going to bed, we asked the owner of the guesthouse how to get to, a town not far from Anuradhapura. Everyone found out and went to sleep. It was planned that early in the morning we will go to Mihintale, inspect everything there before lunch, return and leave Anuradhapura ...

Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Joseph Clerici, Flick

Modern Anuradhapura consists of two parts - the Old City and the New City. The old city is essentially a huge historical park with ancient ruins of city palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, monasteries and dagobas and stupas. Hotels, guest houses, shops and restaurants are mostly located in the new city.

Set aside at least one full day for the Old City of Anuradhapura

what to go for

Don't miss in Anuradhapura

• Rent a bike to explore the magnificent Old Town of Anuradhapura.
• Watch the beautiful ceremonies near the ancient sacred Bodhi tree, around which the second most sacred temple of Sri Lanka, the Bodhi Tree Temple, was built.
• Don't miss the magnificent dagobas (Buddhist stupas): Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya and Jetawanarama.
• Walk around the grounds of the ancient Abhayagiri monastery located in the northern part of the city and admire the royal gardens and the original architecture of the Isurumuniya temple built into the rock in the south of the city.
• Take a day trip to Mihintala, one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka.

bodhi tree

The Bodhi tree is perhaps one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism. According to legend, Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in the Indian town of Bodg-Khaya, so Bodhi trees are cultivated in many Buddhist monasteries. The original tree has been destroyed. But, again, according to legend, the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura was grown from a sprout of the original tree brought from India. Years later, a new one was grown from the sprout of the Anuradhapura tree on the site of the original felled tree at Bodg Haya.

Given the lore and history, it is not surprising that the temple built around the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura is one of the holiest places for the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. It is always crowded here, there are many pilgrims who regularly hold beautiful ceremonies.

Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Mario Feierstein, Flickr

Pilgrims to the Bodhi tree. Photo credit: David & Bonnie, Flickr

Dagobahs of Anuradhapura

Dagobahs are ancient Buddhist stupas of the original form, inherent in ancient Sri Lankan architecture. At the base, the dagobas have the form of a huge dome erected on a massive platform, which is crowned with a small pointed tower.

The four most important dagoba of Anuradhapura are: Jetawanarama - the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya - the most sacred dagoba of the island, Ruwanwelisaya - a magnificent white dagoba, which is considered the most beautiful dagoba of the island and the island's most atmospheric dagoba - Abhayagiri, located on the territory of the monastery of the same name.

Dagoba Abhayagiri. Photo credit: Chandana Witharanage, Flickr

The rays of the sun after a heavy downpour - Dagoba Thuparamaya. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr

Visit to the old city of Anuradhapura

The cost of visiting the Old City and all the sights is about $ 25, calculated from local currency. Tickets are on sale at Archaeological Museum. Anuradhapura does not have one main entrance where tickets are bought and / or presented, there is also no wall between the old and new cities. In fact, you can walk around the whole old city and not meet ticket checkers, but still we would recommend not to succumb to the temptation of "free cheese" and still buy tickets).

The best way to explore the old city is by bike. The alternative is to walk or rent a tuk-tuk. You can rent a bike or tuk-tuk and get a map at any guest house in the city. Set aside a full day to explore the local attractions. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, take off your shoes where the locals take off their shoes. There are stalls in the park where you can buy food and drinks.

Watch your belongings - local monkeys are still those thieves, they can easily steal a bag, glasses, a camera, and in general everything that lies badly or hangs on a person)

Little inhabitants of Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Nadun Wanniarachchi, Flickr

Anuradhapura. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr

Mihintale

The tiny town of Mihintale, located 12 km from Anuradhapura, is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to legend, here, on the top of the mountain, the fateful meeting of the Indian monk Mahinda, the son of the Indian emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa, took place, from whose reign Buddhism began to spread on the island.

To climb to the top of Mihintale to the spectacular white dagoba and the white statue of Buddha, you need to overcome 1840 steps. The ascent consists of several levels, along the way you can see the relics and stupas of the island's first Buddhist monastery.

You can get to Mihintale from Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, bicycle, train or regular minibuses. Set aside a day to travel.

Buddha statue in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Daniel Kosla, Flickr

Ascent to the top of Mihintale. Photo credit: k.dexter fernando kariyakarawanage, Flickr

The city of Anuradhapura was founded by Prince Anuradha in 500 BC. e. In the 3rd century, Shanghamitta planted a Buddha fig tree here - the “tree of enlightenment”. The city prospered until 993, when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa.

The sights of the city hidden for many centuries in the jungle are Aukana Buddha and the Guardian Stone in Thuparam. The 13-meter granite Buddha, carved in the 5th century, is said to be made with such precision that drops of rainwater falling on the tip of his nose flow down to the ground exactly between the big toes. The guardian stone at Thuparam is said to contain one of the collarbones of the Buddha.

Of great interest is the place where Thero Mahinda, the son of the Indian emperor Ashoka, proclaimed Buddhism the main religion of Sri Lanka - it is marked with the revered Bo tree, as well as Ruvanveli Seiya, considered the largest stupa in the world, erected in the 2nd century BC. They say that this structure is shaped like an ideal bubble that forms on the water during rain.

Today Anuradhapura is, in essence, two cities: modern, well-planned, shady, cozy, and ancient, famous for its monuments. The distance between the monuments of Anuradhapura is much greater than in Polonnaruwa, so you will need a taxi or at least a bicycle to see them.

Modern Anuradhapura is surrounded by three ancient reservoirs: Tisa Veva and Basavakkulama Veva are located in the west, and Nuwara Veva is in the east. Of all the monuments of the past, they are the least affected by time. Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo tree, grows in the center of the old city. Like the tooth of the Buddha kept in Kandy, this tree is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. After adopting Buddhism, Devanampiya Tissa asked the Indian ruler Ashoka for a branch of the sacred tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Ashoka sent a branch, and a new tree was carefully grown from its cutting. Currently, the Bo tree in Anuradhapura is considered the oldest on earth: it is more than 22 centuries old. However, it still looks quite strong and healthy. A platform was built around the tree with a stone staircase leading to it, at the base of which there is a golden sculpture depicting the planting of a cutting. Believers first bow to her, and then go up to the platform to pray to the tree itself.

Nearby you will see one of the most mysterious places in Anuradhapura. Was once here majestic palace Loha Prasada, from which 1600 gray monolithic columns have survived to this day, set in 40 parallel rows, 40 columns each. Some columns were barbarously destroyed or removed from their places during the restoration carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. The palace was built during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC) to receive Indian messengers who brought a sacred branch from the Bo tree.

Dagobas in Anuradhapura are quite numerous, they are the best preserved evidence of the former greatness of the city. These structures are distinguished by their beauty and magnificent architecture, so it is not surprising that they are among the most significant Buddhist monuments not only in Sri Lanka, but throughout the world. The height of the Abhayagiri dagoba, or "Dagoba of the Mountain of Fearlessness", is 100 m.

It was built by the ruler Valagamabahu in 89 BC. e., just after the repulse of the Indian invasion. Even older is the massive white da-goba of Ruvanveliseya, which is not inferior to Abhayagiri in height. Its construction began under the monarch Duthagamani. (161-137 BC), and ended after his death, during the reign of his brother Saddhatissa (137-119 BC).

The oldest dagoba of Anuradhapura, and of the entire island, is Thuparama, located just north of the Ruvanveliseya dagoba. Its height is only 19 m, it is perhaps the smallest cult building in Anuradhapura, but it surpasses the rest in importance. Dagoba Thuparama was erected in 249 BC. Devanampiya Tissa to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism. It is believed that the right clavicle of the Buddha and the dish from which he ate were kept in the dagoba. These items are gifts to a convert from the Indian ruler Ashoka. It is not surprising that the Thuparam dagoba enjoys special reverence and is an object of pilgrimage. The Dagobah is shaped like a bell and surrounded by four rows of stone columns. Stairs lead to it, decorated with skillfully executed bas-reliefs and statues.

Dagoba Jetavana on northern border the old city cannot be compared with the Thuparama dagoba in holiness, it deserves attention because it is the largest in Sri Lanka: its height is 120 m and its diameter is 112 m. The construction of this dagoba dates back to the reign of Mahasena (274-301) .

South of the sacred Bo tree and slightly east of the Tissa Veva reservoir is the grandiose rock monastery of Issaramuniya Vihara. Several monastic premises are located outside the caves. A small museum at the entrance to the cave exhibits bas-reliefs that are considered the best in Anuradhapura. Some of them depict members of royal families who lived in different eras. The most famous bas-relief - "Lovers" (IV-V centuries). Presumably, it depicts either a warrior with his beloved, or a divine couple. The bas-relief is made in the Indian gupta style.

Although the dagobas erected by the rulers have survived to one degree or another to this day, we, unfortunately, cannot say the same about their residences. Only the remains of Mahasepa's palaces have survived. (301-328) and Vijayabahu I (1055-1110) . Fabulous Moonstone, once located in front of the palace of Mahasena, today attracts the attention of tourists, but practically nothing remains of the former luxury and grandeur of the palace. Entrance fee or single ticket in the Cultural Triangle.

Neighborhood of Anuradhapura

Mihintale

Approximately 12 km east of Anuradhapura, near Highway 12 leading to Trincomalee, is ancient temple Mihintale, highly revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. The temple was founded in 247 BC. when Mahinda converted the ruler of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.

Mihintale is located on top of a giant granite rock. Numerous stairs lead to the temple. To get to it, believers have to overcome 1840 steps, so the pilgrimage here can be compared with mountain climbing. On the way up, you will see the ruined hospital and the temple of Kantaka Chetiya, dating from about 240 BC. e. But the main monuments of Mihintale are at the top of the cliff: these are two dazzling white dagobas - Ambastale and Mahaseya - surrounded by coconut palms and rock ledges. From the top of the cliff, a fabulous view opens up. There is also a small museum here - with frescoes, fragments of ancient ceramics and bronze figures. Paid entrance.

Aukana Buddha

It is difficult to get here by car, but you can walk from the Aukana station, getting off the train from Colombo to Trincomalee. The main local attraction is the 12-meter statue of Aukan Buddha, dating back to the 5th century. The statue is carved from solid stone (it can be seen that the back is literally fused with the rock). This is perhaps the most elegant image of the Buddha of all existing in Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the ashiva mudra position, that is, blessing. The word "aucana" means "feeding on the sun", and indeed dawn is the best time to view and photograph the statue. If you have your own transport, then in Kekirava (Kekirawa) exit route 9 and follow the narrow country road through Kalaveva to Aukana (Kalawewa). You will have to drive about 11 km. Paid entrance.

Yapahuwa (Yapahuwa)

The ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa resembles Sigiriya, but is inferior to it in size. The fortress was built in the 13th century. and served as the residence and main stronghold of the ruler of Bhuvanekabahu I, who more than once repelled invasions from South India. Currently, you can climb a steep, ornate staircase to the platform where the temple once stood. It was in it that the sacred tooth of the Buddha was originally placed, but then it was transferred to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. On the platform you can see some magnificent bas-reliefs, and the view from here is truly wonderful. Like Aukana, Yapahuvu is difficult to reach by private transport. The fortress is located 4 km from Maho station (maho) on railway line Colombo - Anuradhapura. If you still decide to go by car, then choose highway 28, between Kurunegalla and Anuradhapura. Paid entrance.

The most revered city in Sri Lanka is without a doubt Anuradhapura. Although many of its cult objects are in ruins today, a huge part of the cult and historical heritage this region has been saved. Anuradhapura is the perfect destination for history-loving tourists who want to get to know the culture of this tiny country.

Ancient Anuradhapura is full of charm and mystery. Its sights will allow you to plunge into the mystical past of Sri Lanka and even take some unique photos there.

Not far from the Abhayagiri complex, tourists will find the ruins of the old monastery of Ratna Prasada, built in the 2nd century by order of King Kanitta Tissa for the monks of the Abhayagiri order. He had giant size, as evidenced by the powerful, richly decorated columns that can be seen today. In the 8th century, the temple was reconstructed: several floors were added and a golden Buddha statue was installed.

One of the centers of Sinhalese civilization, Jetavana Pagoda has a diameter of 113 meters and reaches a height 75 meters. At one time, it was the tallest Buddhist building in South Asia. 93 million bricks were used for its construction. Today, next to the pagoda, there is a museum where you can learn the history of the attraction and exhibit an interesting collection of Buddhist statues.

One of Anuradhapura's most colorful structures, the Ruwanveliseya Pagoda is located next to ethnographic museum. An interesting wall that surrounds the pagoda, decorated with images of hundreds of elephants. severely affected by wars and natural Disasters, the landmark today is only 55 meters high and is surrounded by a garden teeming with ruins.

Location: Abhayawewa Road.

An interesting tourist attraction in Anuradhapura is the Isurumuniya Monastery, which attracts attention with its stone sculptures that personify Prince Salia and his beloved, a representative of the Asokamala caste.

Legend has it that the prince gave up the crown in order to marry her. Perched on top of a cliff, the monastery is full of Buddhist relics brought from India in the early 4th century. At the entrance to the temple beautiful lake, decorated with imposing statues of elephants.

located in picturesque place on the river Tissa Veva, Mirisavetia is a pagoda of impressive proportions. Like all pagodas in Sri Lanka, it has its own legend, which says that King Dutugemunu, who decided to swim in the river, threw off his scepter and his royal insignia. After bathing, he wanted to pick up the scepter, which contained the relics of the Buddha, but could not. To protect them, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda.

Location: Old Puttalam Road.

An attraction that is very popular in Anuradhapura is Tuparama Pagoda built by King Dawaman Pusa. It is considered the oldest in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century. Tuparama is located north of the Ruwanveliseya pagoda and has a diameter of 18 meters.

Location: Thuparama Mawatha.

The Abhayagiri monastery complex is the largest in Anuradhapura. Its main building, the Abhayagiri Pagoda, is tall 108 meters. The complex of buildings of the monastery covers an area of ​​200 hectares and includes several Buddhist temples. The main attraction of the complex is the Samadhi statue, which is considered one of the most beautiful images of the Buddha.

Built during the reign of King Vijayanahu in the 12th century from wood, stone and clay soil, the palace covered an area of ​​about 2.5 square kilometers. Its southern wing was given over to the pagoda (Maligawa), where the relics of the Buddha were kept. The wood used in the construction did not stand the test of time, but the stone part of the building can still be seen.

Once a magnificent structure covered with a bronze roof, Lohopasada Palace was built over 2,000 years ago for King Dutugemenu in the 13th century. Today you can see the ruins of 1600 columns that supported the building. They say that grand building Middle Ages had 9 floors and could accommodate up to 1000 people at the same time.

money museum

In the Anuradhapura Money Museum, you can easily get acquainted with the history of Sri Lanka, starting from the most ancient times. Many of its exhibits are recognized as the oldest in the world. Founded in 1982, the museum is divided into 4 expositions:

• Ancient period.
• medieval period.
• colonial period.
• period of independence.

The oldest coins date back to the 3rd century and are made of silver. Exhibited in the museum are gold coins, as well as foreign ones that appeared here with the beginning of the development of trade.

Location: Stage 1, New Town.

In the temple of Sri Maha Bodhi grows, according to Buddhists, the oldest tree of Terra, planted in 249 BC, grows. According to Buddhist belief, Gautami Buddha attained enlightenment in front of a sacred tree in Buddhagaya, India, and the Sri Maha Bothi tree is an outgrowth of the southern branch of this tree. A trip to Anuradhapura will not be complete if you do not visit this holy place for all Buddhists.