This is the
second part of the exploring ancient sites of Anuradhapura. If you haven't read the first part click here to visit the article. Without wasting
time, let’s have a quick explore through the majestic history of Anuradhapura.
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| Ruwanweliseya And Jethavanaramaya |
Vessagiri, is one
of most visited ancient ruins in Anuradhapura. The history of this place is
longer than 2000 years. This place is an ancient Buddhist Forest monastery
which was built by King Devanampiyathissa and later was expanded by King Kasyapa.
It was home for over 500 monks in that time. Monks used stone dens as their
shelter and the place was well planned and built with every facility.
According to the sources, there were hospitals, libraries, shrines and a pond
too. Monks had everything they need. Vessagiri was destroyed by the Indian
invaders and monks left this fabulous place to save their selves from the
invaders.
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| Stone Dens in Vessagiri |
Anuradhapura had
been the kingdom of the country for over thousand years. But almost all royal
palaces were destroyed and now day we can see only ruins. Among them Vijayabahu
Royal Palace is considered as one of the most popular ruins among the travelers.
The palace was built by King Vijayabahu. According to the people they believe
that there were many palaces which were used by different kings, but what
remains today are the ruins of palaces of King Vijayabahu. There were 7 floors
in the original palace, but only ruins of two floors are remain. The guard
stones are more famous than the ruins of the palace. Guard stones are made for
the entrance of the palaces. It included with some marvelous stone crafts. If
you are interested in history and art this would be a perfect place to visit in
Anuradhapura.
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| Ruins of The Royal Palace |
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| Beautifully Carved Guard Stones |
Gedige Ruins, is
located in the northeast of Royal palace of King Vijayabahu. This building has
been built from bricks and the history behind the building was vanished. Anyhow
the place is worth to visit and has a unique design than the other monuments.
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| Gedige Ruins |
Anuradhapura has
a number of ancient Buddhist ruins. But there are some ruins of Hindu kovils
too. The ruins of Shiva Kovil are
considered as the most important non-buddhist ancient ruins of Anuradhapura
kingdom. The kovil was built for both Hindus and Buddhists and there are two
sectors of the Kovil which were dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Like I mentioned
above, Anuradhapura has a rich Buddhist culture. There are number of Buddhist
ruins throughout the kingdom. Samadhi Buddha Statue is most iconic and famous
statue among them. The statue is tall over than 7 feet and was carved from a
single stone. The pose of this Buddha statue is called as Dhyana Mudra, simply it
is a statue of posture meditation. Every part of the statue is well carved, and I was astonished by seeing the excellence of the ancient techniques.
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| Calmness of Samadhi Buddha Statue |
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