Padhanaghara of Western Monastery 'F' in Anuradhapura

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To the west of the Abhayagiriya Monastery, along the outer circular road (Watawandana Road), several Padhanaghara structures can be found. Among the Western Monasteries, this is one of the two best preserved and most frequently visited by pilgrims.

Padhanaghara complexes were used by meditating monks and were built away from cities and human settlements. These structures exhibit a distinct architectural style, typically featuring a surrounding moat. Many were constructed as twin buildings on rocky outcrops, with some—including this complex—incorporating waterways beneath the structures within the moat.

The buildings are constructed using undecorated granite pillars, with the only carvings found on the urinal stones. Traveling 5.5 kilometers along Watawandana Road from Kuttam Pokuna, past Abhayagiriya Stupa, and continuing 1.5 kilometers beyond Padhanaghara I, this site is located on the left side of the road.

Although smaller than the first Padhanaghara, this complex has been extensively restored. Its granite walls, precisely fitted together, rise to a height of about five feet. Unlike other structures, there are no carvings on any of the buildings. The outhouse, located to the right of the main structure, features the only carved element in the entire site—the urinal stone.

Western Monasteries Discovered in Thapovana in Anuradhapura

Padhanaghara monasteries found west of the Ancient City of Anuradhapura are identified as

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

The toilet stone of the Padanagara No. 2

References

Bandaranayake, S., 1974. Sinhalese Monastic Architecture – The Viharas of Anuradhapura. Leiden: Brill.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura (Padhanaghara of Western Monastery “F” )

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps