This post is dedicated to the ancient capital of Sri Lanka- Anuradhapura. This city, whose streets bathe with the glory of a time long past, reached its zenith under the reign of the great Lankan ruler Dutugemunu.
Once swathed with the riches of the land, most of Anuradhapura’s denizens remain unaware of the city’s significance today.
History peeks out from every lane and street here, and a bike ride, which I was amenable to take, was the best way to understand its heritage.
This was also the furthest up north I ventured on this trip to the island; the Vanni that separates Anuradhapura from Jaffna was frightening enough.
Ruwanwelia Dagoba, where two quarts of the Buddha’s relics are enshrined.
Novice monks about to enter the Ruwanwelia Dagoba.
The same novice monks deep in chanting inside the Dagoba, followed by a layman.
The compound that houses the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which is the oldest documented tree in the world and which grew from a sapling of the Bo Tree in Bodh Gaya that sheltered Prince Siddhartha when he was seeking Englightenment. He, of course, became the Buddha.
Evening hues at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi complex.
The recumbent Buddha- remniscent of the one seen in Poll0naruwa- inside the Isuru Muni royal temple.
An exhibit of rock-carved sculpture, depicting the king’s family in the Isuru Muni museum.
The pride of place at the Isuru Muni museum is held by this exhibit- a rock-carved sculpture titled ‘The Lovers.’
The spire of the Isuru Muni royal temple in noir.
The Isuru Muni museum.
A wide-angled view of the Isuru Muni royal temple.
Thisawewa, the tank at the top of the Royal Gardens next to Isuru Muni.
If you like my work, consider visiting my website to get in touch with more of my writing. You can follow me on Twitter as well. Also, sign up for the newsletter to get regular updates coming your way. I would love to talk to you!
All rights reserved. No part of Soliloquy may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.
Soliloquy 
Leave a comment