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Sri-Lanka > Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
A rich hoard of period antiquities have been unearthed in excavations here
— sculptures, jewellery, coins and artifacts in stone, quartz, marble,
crystal, ivory, copper, bronze, terra-cotta, ceramic, silver and a sensational
find of 7 Buddhist scriptures written on sheets of - pure, beaten gold.
The entrance to the Ratna Prasada (1st c. A.D.), a pavilion of towering granite
columns, contains the finest of ancient guard-stones (handsome sentinel sculptures
placed at gateways), dating from the 8th c, of a Naga king, chiseled with masterful
sureness and fluidity. At the Queen's Pavilion nearby, is another masterpiece
— a fine moonstone (semicircular entrance step with symbolic carvings),
embellished with friezes of unusual elegance. The Kuttam Pokuna, a pair of magnificent
stone baths, each 220 ft. long, have terraced sides, flights of steps, decorative
stonework, feeder and waste pipes, and filtration devices. The Samadhi Buddha
(3rd - 4th c. A.D.) is a limetone image of great serenity, a source of solace
to many, including the Indian leader, Jawarhlal Nehru.
The Stone Bridge over the Malwatu Oya (river) has huge stone planks laid over
tall granite pillars. The Mah amegha Royal Pleasure Garden is a pleasant, tree-shaded
park, with remains of pavilions, ponds and terraces.
Many other fascinating sites in Anuradhapura too numerous to list, will delight
visitors who have more time for sightseeing.
The equal of other great cities of its day, Anuradhapura's exposed location
however, made it vulnerable to intermittent South Indian invasions. By the end
of the 10th c. it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa, further
inland.
Other heritage sites near Anuradhapura
The 5th c. A.D. 39 - ft. (12 metre) tall Aukana Buddha (50 km. south-east of
Anuradhapura), is Sri Lanka's most magnificent ancient stone sculpture, a standing
colossus cut from solid rock, of tremendous impact. Ten kms. beyond at Sasseruwa
(Res Venera), is a similar massive Buddha image of the same period.
Ritigala (40 km. south-east of Anuradhapura), is a complex of monasteries of
pre-Christian origin, on a forested mountain. Many interesting remains here
include ancient hospitals and other stone structures and a broad, ancient meditation
path paved with granite, winding through the thick forest canopy.
Medirigiriya (38 km. from Polonnaruwa) is a 7th c. shrine complex in stone,
of striking beauty and elegance. The group includes a circular relic shrine
(vatadage), with ornately finished, dressed stone pillars, fine carvings and
sculptures, symmetrical image houses, a hospital, drummers, pavilion and bathing
ponds.
Tiriyai (approximately 40 km. from Trincomalee, in the eastern province), is
an exquisite 8th c. circular shrine of graceful stone pillars, carvings and
sculptures, reached through thick jungle and a long stone stairway.
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