The Ancient Sacred City of Anuradhapura

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Polonnaruwa Ancient city

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Anuradhapura, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s most treasured cultural and historical landmarks. As the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it served as the center of political and spiritual life for over a millennium, beginning in the 4th century BCE.

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  • A Legacy of Kings:
    Established by King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura was the seat of power for Sri Lanka’s greatest monarchs, who transformed it into a thriving hub of culture, religion, and innovation.
  • Spiritual Importance:
    The city played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, initiated by the arrival of Mahinda Thera during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE. The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, remains one of the most revered religious symbols here.
  • Majestic Stupas:
    Anuradhapura is home to several colossal stupas, including:

    • Ruwanwelisaya: A pristine white dagoba symbolizing Buddhist teachings and unity.
    • Jetavanaramaya: Once the world’s tallest stupa and an architectural wonder.
    • Abhayagiri Stupa: A central feature of the Abhayagiri monastery, reflecting ancient engineering excellence.
  • Sacred Bodhi Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi):
    This sacred fig tree is the oldest living tree with a documented history, brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Princess Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
  • Royal Palaces and Monasteries:
    The ruins of the Brazen Palace (Lohapasada) and the remnants of ancient monasteries like Abhayagiri and Mihintale highlight the grandeur of the ancient kingdom.
  • Buddhist Pilgrimage Site:
    Anuradhapura continues to be a center for Buddhist devotion, drawing pilgrims from across the world. The sacred sites resonate with stories of piety, wisdom, and historical events that shaped the island’s spiritual identity.
  • Inscriptions and Artifacts:
    The city holds numerous inscriptions, carvings, and ancient relics that shed light on the social, political, and religious life of its time.
  • Rich Heritage:
    Visitors can explore expansive ruins, intricate carvings, and serene stupas, gaining insight into a civilization that flourished over 1,000 years ago.
  • Scenic Surroundings:
    Anuradhapura is set amidst a lush landscape of man-made reservoirs like Tissa Wewa and Kala Wewa, which are engineering marvels of ancient irrigation.

Anuradhapura is not just a relic of the past but a living city, blending its rich history with contemporary life. It is an essential stop for anyone exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

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