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Temples in Anuradhapura For A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s History

One of its natural beauties include the various temples situated at in Anuradhapura which is Sri lanka’s most visited travelling destination due to its spiritual value among travelers. It is the great cradle of Sinhalese culture.

The city is an epicentre of Sinhalese culture and has rich culture and history, which is evident in the several world heritage sites and historical monuments within. The ancient city of Anuradhapura was founded in the 5th century BCE. The Magical natural beauties, incredible activities and mesmerising temples of Anuradhapura are among its astonishing fetures that makes it a dream destination for travellers.

List Of Must-Visit Temples In Anuradhapura

If you’re eager to visit Anuradhapura then here is the chance, I suggest you to go to those temples, dwell on it, and comprehend the history of those famous temples along with what time to endure the visit, when all the temples will open, or even timetable. So, by means of this guide, you can gain the necessary information what kind of difficulties you may be scuffling to endure in the future.

1. Sri Maha Bodhi Temple: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

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The sacred is sacred and people would come from all over to pray and give offerings in the respect of Buddha in the holy tree. That’s why the place is affectionately called the Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a celebrated pilgrimage site which is the home of the one, if not the only, oldest living tree world wide.

The tree was planted in a place where there was once a sapling that reached the heavens. This tree has lead a similar tree back to earth in Kushinara, India, where Gotama Buddha died. As stated in the sacred literature, “When the blessed one passed away, the great wheel of Dhamma came to an end, as an aged world tree when the rain has come to an end.

As the four great oceans dried up, so did the Dhamma dry up.” The tree is a cherished mark for the Sri Lankan people and the global Buddhist community. Every day monks can be seen doing their ritual in honour of offering to Buddha in the holy tree. Around the holy tree there are beautiful statues and water canals which are believed to lift the protection of the holy tree, making this place a landmark area of both beauty and landscape. lt is believed among the people of Sri Lanka that the tree can grant the hope of those who come to pray and visit.

Sri Maha Bodhi Temple entrance is completely free for everyone, but once arrived, one would have to take a cab or tuk-tuk to get there. Tuk-tuk is a kind of public transportation similar to an auto rickshaw. It didn’t cost a lot and it is considered as a budget transport used by the locals to commute daily.

The local people knew how to take care of those holy people. Sri Maha Bodhi Temple organized four annual festivals where people from different countries visit and offer human food and pray for the holy tree as a a paying respect.

The name of some of the most popular annual festivals is called Duruthu Mangalle, a festival organized on the first full moon of January and Parana Avurudu Mangalle that came one week before the Sinhalese New Year celebration.

2. Jetavanaramaya: Visit The Majestic Stupa

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Jetavanaramaya is the most magnificent wonderful ancient condect by thz world which is found in around the 3rd century by King Mahasena .after the destruction of Mahavihara. After the death of Buddha his belt was kept in this stupa. Buddhists and people who follows Buddhism comes here to offer their devotion to their holy belt. There are over 10,000 monks are living there.

Execthoniqst for this place people from other countries including Sri Lanka come here to get efforts made by these monks respect for Buddha. They also come thare just to relax and meditation. Whether you’re a visitor or you know the Anuradhapura very well, this destination got windvalid place. Even someone passing by can go and see it. Most important thing they can cross Jetavanaramaya museum, that contain ancient artefacticas as well as old sculpters which some people say its age is 2bce.

Also there is a beautiful Buddhist walking towards section the museum is in a rectangular shape and is called another historical building. the nature is like history full of surprises, both are human without any idea. History is mute and does not talk to people but nature tells us many stories. Both are beautiful.

No one without failure to visit the chapter house Jetavanaramaya. this is a place were monks do there ritual and spiritual work. They pray to the god, the meditate, sometimes. they hold a spiritual discussion. and monks inspire nearby people to religious work. Who ever they are a tourist, foreigners, and people of any section. Everyone can surely sit with the monks and mediate and discuss what is so special with religion and what is special in the world.

3. Abhayagiri Monastery: Famous Historical Monastery

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Abhayagiri Monastery or so it is known as Abayagiri Vihara, is a complex, one of the most admirable structural design in whole Sri Lanka and this is the most mentionable name in the tourism world. Was constructed in the 2nd century BCE by the Great King Valagamabau. It is the most famous tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. That is because this is 2nd largest stupa was built it in following the foot print of the the great highest Buddhist propagator and Indian monk, philosopher and Great Gautam Buddha. people all over the globe admire his teachings.

This monastery is open from 7 am to 5:30 pm daily. It will not be open after they close the gate. Make sure you go there before close time.

Any one who likes to go back in time should visit this place. He will get to know more about how people did live in traditional and traditional ways of life. this temple has a magnificent view to most of the surrounding are by landscape.

This place is will be a memorable heavenly experience for ones who visit this place.
this will be a perfect natural stress relief place for a trip.

This is must visit unto Anuradhapura temples should be the top of the list of all temples to visit in anuradhapura.

4. Isurumuniya: The Famous Rock Buddhist Temple

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Isurumuniya attracts lots of tourists and locals. Unlike other popular historical places in Anuradhapura, isurumuniya has cause carvings into rocks that cover the outer building. This makes it very romantic and beautiful spot for sightseeing. By the side nears a lotus pond which really made the locaion more beautiful and calm. According to legend this temple built by king devanampiya for early religious education and raised 500 kids.

The main purpose of this place in ancient time was to provide the sheltherkids. This temple opens from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. It is possible to buy the tickets in daily and Saturday weekly. The entry ticket price to the Isurumuniya is LKR 500 per person. The ticket can buy from the counter. Before you go to isurumuniya vihara make sure that you are carrying some water bottles to keeping hydrating and don’t go there the afternoon. Make sure that you are formally dressed depends on your country’s weather and try to carry umbrellas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Anuradhapura

Do we have to purchase tickets to enter temples in Anuradhapura?

No ticket needed to visit the temples. But you have to buy entry ticket to some monasteries of Anuradhapura.

How many temples are there in Anuradhapura?

There are 10 temples in Anuradhapura. This city is called the sacred city of Sri Lanka, which is very famous all over the world.

Does the monastery remain open every day for 24 hours?

The monastery is not open all day and mostly of the monasteries stay open every week day in a week and any one can visit anytime.

How many days will be required to cover all the temples in Anuradhapura?

You can cover all the temples in Anuradhapura in 2-3 days and also, if you want to go visit some other famous historical spots, 5-6 days tour would be a more than enough enjoyable trip for you.

What would be the best time to visit the temple in Anuradhapura during the day?

The best time to visit the temple is early in the morning or in the noon of the day before closing time.If you want to avoid the crowd in temples, you could visit buddy when they praying.

Thiru Venkatam: Thiru Venkatam is a distinguished digital entrepreneur and online publishing expert with over a decade of experience in creating and managing successful websites. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English, Business Administration, Journalism from Annamalai University and is a certified member of Digital Publishers Association. The founder and owner of multiple reputable platforms - leverages his extensive expertise to deliver authoritative and trustworthy content across diverse industries such as technology, health, home décor, and veterinary news. His commitment to the principles of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) ensures that each website provides accurate, reliable, and high-quality information tailored to a global audience.
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