Anuradhapura or Anurādhapuraya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also called Aṉurātapuram is a major city in Sri Lanka. The capital city of North Central Province, and Anuradhapura District, it is one of the three ancient capitals of Kingdoms in Sri Lanka, the city is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sinhala civilization. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, that came into existence after the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara.
Founded around the 5th century BC or even earlier in 380 BC by Prince Pandukabha, Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world; on the banks of Malvathu river. Located 205 km north of Colombo, it was a major intellectual centre for Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. During reign of Dhatusena (455-473 AD) a redaction of the Theravada Buddhist canon took place in Anuradhapura while 18 new viharas or temples where built and a statue of Mahinda, the Indian prince-monk who introduced Buddhism in Sri Lanka was erected. The royal families strongly supported Buddhism and donated items to Buddhist temples, who in return supported the king’s rule.
Well connected by road and rail there are numerous places worth visiting in and around the city including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama that are closely associated with Buddhism. Surrounded by forest, the picturesque city of Anuradhapura has numerous other places worth visiting such as Mihintale, Wilpattu National Park, Ritigala Forest Monastery, Isurumuniya Temple, Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond, and Dagoba or Stupa of Thuparama.
Also, worth visiting are, Vessagiriya Ruins, Moonstone or Sandakada pahana, Samadhi Statue, Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna), Gal Palama (Stone Bridge), Nellikulama Temple, Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, Abhayagiri Museum, and The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya). Legend places the capital of Rakshasa King Ravana in the Hindu epic Ramayana at Anuradhapura. Legend depicts Rama devotee Lord Hanuman burning down the city before the epic war. Another popular legend is that anyone digging anywhere in Anuradhapura will find a layer of ash.
The introduction of Buddhism made Anuradhapura a prominent city on the island and its popularity grew as a religious and administrative center grew with numerous buildings built. A well-planned city, construction work was carried out to build numerous water tanks, ponds, parks, temples and monastery complexes. The Jethavanaramaya dagoba built by King Devanampiya Tissa in 249 BC, still remains the tallest brick structure in the world. King Mahasena built the Jetavanaramaya located in between the Maha Vihara and Abhayagiri Monasteries. There are many monasteries with gigantic stupas all over the city. Maha Thupa, Bodhi Tree and Thuparama in the south, Abhayagiri in north, Pubbarama in east, Tanovana in north-west and Jetavanaramaya in south-east.
During reign of King Kirtisri Meghavan, the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to the city. Every year the relic is exhibited at Abhayagiri after a grand procession. The city reached its zenith by 7th century but declined after the attack by Rajaraja Chola and the main city was abandoned by 1017 AD. Although Anuradhapura name was used by other dynasties and cities of same name were established around the same area for over 1500 years. The original city was lost to jungle but a village remained with ruins spread around, and was rediscovered by the British in 1870s. The old section of Anuradhapura, is now preserved as archaeological park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
The city also contains an ancient pipal tree that is believed to have been planted in 245 BCE by monk prince Mahinda or Mahendra and is a branch of the original tree from Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The city is the headquarters of Sri Lanka’s archaeological survey. Tourism is a significant employment provider for the city’s economy. Today, modern city of Anuradhapura houses an incredible set of ruins belonging to ancient era. The best time to visit Anuradhapura is in the month of April through September and is perfect for a weekend visit. There are numerous hotels, resort around the city that provide accommodation and restaurants serve delicious food.
