Anuradhapura Buddhist Icons Tour from Sigiriya

Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress located in Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its archaeological significance and stunning natural beauty. Rising dramatically from the surrounding jungle, Sigiriya offers visitors a glimpse into the island's rich history and mesmerizing landscapes.

It is hard to believe – but there is no shadow of doubt at all – that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on iron crutches, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world (2,250 years).

It has never since been without its hereditary attendants and care, to the very end, of the country’s kings. As lately as the reign of King Keerti Sri Rajasingha, a wall was built around the tree. In 1966 it was enclosed with a golden railing.

The great ancient Sinhalese Buddhist monuments of Anuradhapura are clustered around this Peepal tree (ficus religiosa) called Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling of the Peepal Tree at Buddha Gaya, Northern India in whose shelter Gautama Buddha attained supreme enlightenment.

The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Buddhist nun Sanghamitta, the daughter of King Asoka of India during the 3rd Century B.C.

The Jetavanarama Dagoba’s massive dome rises above the entire eastern part of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century by Mahasena, it may have originally topped 120m, but today is about 70m – similar to the Abhayagiri. When it was built it was almost certainly the third-tallest monument in the world, the first two being Egyptian pyramids.

Its vast, bulbous form is unplastered and said to consist of more than 90 million bricks.

Abhayagiri Dagaba, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a significant Buddhist stupa that holds profound historical and religious significance. Constructed during the reign of King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE, this imposing structure stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship and architectural prowess. Rising majestically to a height of over 370 feet, the dagaba is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Abhayagiri Dagaba served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for Buddhist learning and monastic life. It was a focal point for pilgrimage and religious activities, drawing devotees from far and wide. Today, it remains a revered site, attracting visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's illustrious past.

Ruwanweliseya, also known as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, is a sacred Buddhist monument located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Constructed during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, it stands as one of the tallest stupas in the ancient world, reaching a height of over 100 meters. The stupa is revered by Buddhists worldwide for housing relics of Gautama Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Its architectural grandeur reflects the rich heritage and religious devotion of ancient Sri Lanka. The stupa's hemispherical dome, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by elaborate stone railings, presents a striking sight against the backdrop of Anuradhapura's landscape. The surrounding complex includes various other monuments and structures, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruwanweliseya remains not only a symbol of Buddhist faith but also a testament to Sri Lanka's cultural and historical richness.

Mirisawati Dagoba was built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), “The Hero of the Nation”, following the water festival held on the seventh day of the victory of the Great War that rescued the nation from the Southern Indian Kingdom of Chola. Mirisawati Dagoba was the first monument built by the king following his consecration.

The location of the great stupa, according the great historical narrative, Mahavamsa, is of exceptional significance.

On the seventh day of the water festival at the Tissa rainwater reservoir, the King planted his spear, the royal standard containing a Relic of the Buddha, on the shore and laid his clothes. On his return from the bath at the reservoir, the king couldn’t pull out the spear off the bank. In spite of the repeated attempts the spear couldn’t be retrieved. Having read the miracle as an omen, on the location enshrining the spear containing the relic of Buddha, was built the Mirisavati Dagoba and monastery.

Aukana Buddha Statue in Asisa Mudra or the “posture of blessing” is carved out of a rock boulder. The statue is carved in the round connected to the back to the rock boulder. The delicate and skillful carving of the Buddha’s robe humanizes and chastely reveals the underlying form of his body, while the face’s impassive expression projects an aura of spiritual supremacy.

It is said that the degree of alignment of the statue is such that raindrop on the nose would drop straight down to small depression carved between the toes. Aukana Buddha Statue is a masterpiece of a colossal Buddha Statue by an unknown sculptor: the serene expression of the statue, the gracefully carved robe with neat pleats brings in delicateness that could hardly be moulded into a rock. The impassive expression of the face reflects the supreme spirituality.