Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya in the holy city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is one such sacred place and abode to a huge Buddhist complex. Many temporary structures made up of wood or other non-durable materials, which were the refuge for numerous Buddhist monks, have collapsed after ages. Built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the period 3rd century BCE, this complex has been the citadel of Theravada Buddhism for nearly two millennia.

The history of this Buddhist complex bears the testimony of two events: the eras of prosperity and the eras of destruction. The monumental ruins, stupas and monuments contained within the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya building complex give any tourist an idea about the immeasurable heritage of Sri Lanka. This could be one of the reasons why UNESCO declared this place as a World Heritage Site.

Ancient City Of Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

Image Credit: Buddhist Maha Vihara for Facebook

Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya might not be a monastery in any practical sense, still, it is entirely an important religious site that attracts literally thousands of pilgrims yearly because it’s also a historic landmark. As a matter of fact, to have the opportunity to witness and envision, however imperfectly, how monks have lived in Sri Lanka for the past 2,500 years is an experience in itself. So, to the history and Buddhism and ancient architecture geeks among you, like me, visiting Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya makes for an awesome and powerful tourist attraction.

Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya: A Time Jump Into The Past

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

By these time, of course, we learnt that Anuradhapura Maha Vihara lies within the complex of Anuradhapura Archeological Park. And, there is an entrance fee of nearly 4500 LKH. But don’t take my word, check it before you go. The tickets can be procured from different counters in different museums as well; I got mine from Folk Museum or the Jethawana Museum. Various options in transport can lead you to Maha Vihara. There is a decent and well-maintained net of bus system connecting to other towns and cities of Sri Lanka. A cozy cab/car ride is also an option, given a good highway network in Sri Lanka.

Arrive in the morning at around 8:30pm (reasonably early, given the park’s opening hours). This will allow you to make the most of the morning chill and get across the park’s large open grounds before it gets too hot, usually by midday. Bring plenty of water, since there isn’t much shade, and wear shoes that won’t hurt your feet if you are going to walk around the complex extensively (which you should, given its size and splendour). Dress modestly (as is customary at a religious site), preferably with long sleeves and long pants.

How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways

Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)

Timings: All days of the week

Opening: 8:30 AM

Closing: 5:30 PM

Maha Bodhi- The Living Connection To Gautam Buddha

Image Credit: Nancy Yu for Wikimedia Commons

And don’t forget the Anuradhapura Archaeological Park has more to offer than just the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya. Indeed, like many tourists and pilgrims, you might find yourself drawn to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. The sapling of the tree under which Buddha sat in Bodhgaya was brought to Sri Lanka during the third century BCE, and many regard this tree as equally auspicious and with a connection to Buddha as the tree in Bodhgaya. People typically make offerings of sorts to the tree, meditate under or around it, or simply walk past it marvelling at one of the oldest trees in the world. They stand under its spiritual canopy, reflecting on the long history of the Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka.

How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways

Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)

Timings: All days of the week

Opening: 8:30 AM

Closing: 5:30 PM

The Thuparamaya Dagoba Stupa

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thought to be the oldest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, the Thuparamaya was built around the 3rd century BCE. Thuparamaya, a mélange of stupa and aramaya, literally translates to ‘monastery complex for monks’. The choice of the name suggests a close relationship with the Monk community at that time. The legend goes as follows: Gautam Buddha was cremated and his remains enshrined as 10 relics by his followers.

It is said that one of the relics of the Buddha was his collar bone that was enshrined in the Thuparamaya Dagoba Stupa. Still preserved here to this day and the grounds of the complex is a consecrated piece of soil for the Buddhists worldwide. It is a popular belief that the presence of a Buddha relic means an abundance of holiness, and the pilgrims have been increasingly drawn to it for centuries. There are visible signs of serenity commonly described as overpowering but welcome.

How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways

Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)

Timings: All days of the week

Opening: 8:30 AM

Closing: 5:30 PM

Kuttam Pokuna

Image Credit: Nicolas Chadeville for Wikimedia Commons