5 Things You Need To Know About Anuradhapura

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Anuradhapura is listed as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, which is hardly surprising. The city is considered to be among the oldest, continuously inhabited, cities on the planet.

It was an ancient ancient capital

Today, Anuradhapura is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka in North Central Province. In the distant past, it was an even more important city on the island. Anuradhapura had the honor of being the capital of the kingdom of Rajaratna. In fact, the city is believed to have served as a capital between the 4th century BCE and the 11th century CE.

It is an ancient fig tree

One of the main attractions of Anuradhapura is the ancient fig tree. It is known as Jaya Shri Maha Bodhi. This tree is believed to be related to the famous fig tree of Buddha Gaya in India.

It is said that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in the shadow of the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya. Sri Lankans believe that the original tree harvested in 288 BC led to a sprout in Anuradhapura. This makes Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi more than 2,000 years old.

These are two spontaneously designed ponds

There are 1,500 years old twin ponds or Kuttam Pokuna located within the gardens of the Abhayagiri monastery. The irrigation system in place for the ponds is quite progressive. It is often one of the most advanced examples of hydraulic engineering, which existed at the time.

King Agabodhi started the construction of these bathing tanks for the monks of the monastery in the 6th century AD. The length of both the ponds is about 130 feet and 90 feet, and are made of stone.

It Refers to an ancient moonstone

Abhayagiri monastery also has the resident Sandakada mountain, which is an ancient stone made of sandalwood. Just what is a moon stone? It is a slab of stone that is cut into a semi-circle shape and performs intricate carvings. Moonstones are usually placed at the entrance of Buddhist temples. It especially dates all the way back to the 1st century BCE.

Look at the lotus flower shown in the center. There are many levels of animals around it that are etched on its face. Each of these creatures embodies a different worldly concept such as birth, aging disease, and death. On the other hand, the lotus represents nirvana. And therefore, the Moon is considered a symbol of karma, fascination and the cycle of life and death. In Buddhism, it represents the path of enlightenment.

Interested in the city and its many historical wonders? Make time for your itinerary to spend a few days there. Anuradhapura accommodation is easy to find and living in the city does not cost much. If you are trying to avoid a humble budget, then check out these guest houses in Anuradhapura. They provide all the requirements that are part of the Yoho Promise. Namely, things like WiFi, AC, TV and breakfast.

While you are there, you can also visit other cities that form part of the cultural triangle.