A description of the Makara on the Makara Torana animal appearing in the Rajawaliya (v.192) runs as follows:“The makara has the front of an elephant, and the feet of a lion, ear of a pig, the body of a fish living in water, having teeth turned inside and eyes of those of hanuman and a nice tail.”
Sacred elements (Naga same term as serpent) consorted with the clouds bearing rain. These elements bestow upon the human world all the boons of earthly happiness such as abundance of crops, cattle, prosperity, offspring, health and long life. The following notes aim to examine the way of depicting in sculpture the genii, Naga presiding over the waters.
The moonstone is a permanent feature of the buddhist building of all historical periods. This is a semi circular piece of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most buddhist buildings. Although the moonstone is generally semi circular, Sometimes you can come across square moonstones. It is thought that the moon stones originated as blank square stone and later developed in to a semi circular shape.
Vessagiriya is located few hundred meters left to the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one these is a remains of a dagaba.
The Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I we see today in Anuradhapura is thought to be the temporary palace he constructed in 1055 for the celebrations in Anuradhapura.
The Thapowanaya is first mentioned in the reign of Kassapa IV ( 898 -914 AC) it is said that this king built a dwelling there for the Pamsukulika order of monks. Kassapa V (914 -923 AC) built the Deva dwelling in the Tapovana.
Ruwanweliseya was built by the great king Dutugamunu who reigned from 137BC to119BC. The original stupa has been about 180 feet (55 meters) in height and was renovated by many kings. The stupa is 350 feet (107 meters) in height and 300 feet (92 meters) in diameter today.
Ranmasu Uyana, the “Royal Goldfish Park,” is a 40-acre ancient pleasure garden in Anuradhapura. Famous for its sophisticated hydraulic systems and rock-cut bathing pools, it also houses the mysterious “Star Gate” carving. This tranquil site, where legends say Prince Saliya met Asokamala, perfectly blends history with nature.
Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex. King Dutugamunu is the great king who defeated the Tamil invaders who ruled the country for 30 years and brought the country under one ruler.
Nestled in a tranquil forest near Mihintale, Kaludiya Pokuna is an ancient monastic site named after its dark, reflective pond. Surrounded by stone ruins, inscriptions, and meditative caves, it offers a peaceful glimpse into Sri Lanka’s early Buddhist heritage and timeless natural serenity.
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga pokuna, Sinha pokuna and Kaludiya pokuna.
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and boulder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga pokuna, Sinha pokuna and Kaludiya pokuna.
To the west of the Mahaseya at Mihintale are the remains of a smaller stupa identified as Mihindu Seya, the one which king Uttiya, Devanampiyatissa’s successor built enshrining the relics of the great Sage Mahinda
In the 3rd century BC, area of Mihintale (mihinthalaya) was a thick jungleand was a hunting ground reserved for the royals. All this changed in 250 BC when the son of the Indian Emperor Asoka, Mahinda Maha Thero arrived at the Mihintale (mihinthalaya) rock to meet king Devamnampiyatissa.
The Lovamahapaya, or the Great Brazen Palace, stands as a testament to the architectural ambition of King Dutugemunu. Originally a nine-story monastery supported by 1,600 granite pillars, its roof was famously covered in bronze tiles.
Jethawana Stupa built by King Mahasen (276-303 CE) is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind in the world.
Isurumuniya is a 3rd-century BCE rock temple in Anuradhapura, famous for its exquisite stone carvings and serene setting by the Tissa Wewa. Originally built by King Devanampiyatissa, it features the iconic Isurumuni Lovers, the Horseman, and bathing elephants. This tranquil site beautifully blends spiritual heritage with legendary Sri Lankan romance.
Abhayagiri Monastery is situated on the ancient city of Anuradhapura and is credited to king Vattagamini Abaya popularly known as king Walagamba ( 103 BC, 89-77 BC). Proof has been found that a Jain temple has existed on this land in the 5th century BC during the rule of King Pandukabaya (437-367 BC).
Dakkhina Stupa (Dakshina Stupa) is a large brick mound structure , probably an unfinished stupa lying close to sri maha bodhi. Untill recently this site was mistakenly identified as tomb of Elara.
Uttara Mula is the name which identifies the most ancient congregation of bikkus in the Abhayagiri Monastery and their head quarters. In ancient times when the the sacred tooth relic of Buddha was in Abhayagiri, Uttara Mula Bikkus were the custodians of it.
