Anuradhapura

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The great monastic heritage city of Anuradhapura is full with vast array of Buddhist monuments that dates back to more than 2000 years

Anuradhapura

Historical Background

The great monastic heritage city of Anuradhapura is situated in the North Central part of Sri Lanka. The fascinating ancient city of Anuradhapura was the first capital of the Sinhala kings, and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka Hosting UNESCO world heritage sites. This city is the cradle of Buddhism. It’s grandeur history and the vast array of Buddhist monuments that dates back to more than 2000 years. It was once a major center of Sri Lankan civilization based with Buddhist culture. It is clearly depicted by ruins of sacred city of Anuradhapura. Since 6^th century B.C to 11^th Century A.D Anuradhapura was a capital city According to the great chronicle in Sri Lanka named Mahawansa and it is proved by archaeological evidences. At this time Anuradhapura happened to be the largest city in South Asia and capital of emerging kingdom.

There have been found archaeological remains of 3000 to 4000 monastic units. The earliest settlement dates back to Stone Age 900 B.C. Archaeological excavations in the inner citadel of ancient Anuradhapura known as Salgahawatte excavation proved that there were evidence for paddy cultivation and horse breeding as far as 900 B.C. The civilization was started near river banks. That was the starting point of most complex irrigation system of ancient Sinhalese. Most of they built great reservoir tanks still functioning today, and many of them are watering for paddy cultivation.

History,Buddhism & Culture of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the cradle of glorious Sinhalese Buddhist civilization. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka 247 B.C During Anuradhapura period. Introduction of Buddhism in 3^rd century B.C was happened to be a turning point in history of the Sri Lanka. Kings of Anuradhapura embraced Buddhism and became patrons of monumental building programs, such as Stupas, carving of Buddha statues on huge rocks, fully fledged monasteries and monastic education centers, colossal stone pillars that stand proud amidst the ruins of royal palaces, Ponds with sophisticated hydrology etc.

Anuradhapura city is a mother land for an oldest recorded human planted tree named “ Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa )which was planted in 246 B.C and one of the most venerated place. Ruwanweli seya Sthupa is one of the other most venerated place in the sacred city which is enshrined a small container of Buddha’s bodily relics. Anuradhapura was become a UNESCO world heritage site since Abhayagiri Monastery complex and Jethawana Monastery complex. It is a major part of the cultural triangle, which is significant to the Buddhist devotees in particular. Pilgrimage season of this sacred city is month of June (Poson).

Eight sacred places in Anuradhapura

Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa)
Ruwanweli Seya stupa
Brazen palace
Mirisaweti Stupa
Thuparama Stupa
Abhayagiri Stupa
Jethawana Stupa
Isurumuniya temple

Agriculture and Irrigation Development

Agriculture was given a prominent place in Anuradhapura. They have built giant tanks for the purpose of agriculture development. Inscriptions of Anuradhapura kingdom reveal the most complicated administrative systems and the financial management systems which were practiced 2000 years ago. World first drain water management system can be seen in Anuradhapura and those are still functioning more than 2500 years. And also there is much evidence for the evolution of Sinhala “Brahmi” letters in sacred Anuradhapura city.

Highlights Of Anuradhapura

Here you’ll also find Sri Maha Bodhi, the Sacred Bo-Tree, brought to Sri Lanka as a sapling from the tree under which Prince Sidhdhartha is said to have become enlightened.It is over 2,200 years old and oldest historically documented remaining tree in the world.
Highlights of the historical city include the 1,600 stone pillars of Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), which are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence building and education center for Buddhist monks.
Thuparama Stupa (3rd century B.C) is the oldest stupa on the island.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (2nd century B.C) – the most famous and venerated Stupa which are enshrined the small container of Buddha’s relics.