Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. Historically it was a great monastic center as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colours. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood “Abhayagiri”, one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. One of the focal points of the complex is an ancient stupa, the Abhayagiri Dagaba. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara and the original custodian of the Tooth relic in the island.
The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” refers not only to the complex of monastic buildings, but also to a fraternity of Buddhist monks, or Sangha, which maintained its own historical records, traditions and way of life. Founded in the 2nd century BC, it had grown into an international institution by the 1st century AD, attracting scholars from distant locations and encompassing all shades of Buddhist philosophy. Its influence can be traced to other parts of the world, through branches established elsewhere. Thus, the Abhayagiri Vihara developed as a great institution vis‑a‑vis the Mahavihara and the Jetavanavihara Buddhist monastic sects in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.
Some of the popular structures belonging to the Abhayagiri Monastery are :
• Abayagiri Stupa • Lankaramaya • Ratna Prasada • Moonstone – 2 • Eth Pokuna • Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) • Samadhi Statue • Second Samadhi Statue and Bodhighara • Third Samadhi Statue and Bodhighara • Vadu-Mula Stupa • Prasada Stupa ( Indikatu Seya) • Sannipatha Shalawa ( Meeting Hall ) • Abisheka Mandapaya ( Coronation Hall ) • Paint Factory • The Sanitary Complex • Pancavasa (Biso Maligawa) • Burrows Pavilion • Uttara Mula • Main Refectory of Abayagiri • Relic Shrine in Uttara Mula
Jethavanaramaya, situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, is renowned as one of the largest and most colossal stupas (dagobas) worldwide. Constructed under the rule of King Mahasena (273-301 CE), it stands as a testament to the remarkable architectural and engineering skills of ancient Sri Lanka. Originally towering at a height of approximately 122 meters (400 feet), Jethawanaramaya ranked as the third tallest structure in the ancient world during its time of construction. However, natural deterioration over the centuries has reduced its present height to an estimated 71 meters (233 feet). The stupa’s base covers a vast area of around 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres), providing a solid foundation that imparts stability and strength to support the structure. To build Jethawanaramaya, millions of meticulously arranged bricks were employed, making it one of the largest brick structures globally. It is estimated that roughly 93 million bricks were utilized in its construction. Jethawanaramaya consists of multiple stacked platforms and terraces, gradually diminishing in size as they ascend towards the pinnacle. The structure encompasses three circular stone platforms, adorned with decorative elements. The shape of the Jethawanaramaya Stupa is considered to be the Paddy heap type, Inside the stupa, there are various inner chambers and passageways that served for religious activities, such as offerings and rituals. These chambers were designed to accommodate monks and pilgrims. Despite its partial ruins, Jethawanaramaya’s immense size and architectural grandeur continue to inspire awe. It remains a significant cultural and religious site in Sri Lanka, attracting numerous visitors who marvel at its historical and spiritual significance.
The compound covers approximately 5.6 hectares and is estimated to have housed 10,000 Buddhist monks. One side of the stupa is 176 m (576 ft) long, and the flights of stairs at each of the four sides of it are 9 m (28 ft) wide. The doorpost to the shrine, which is situated in the courtyard, is 8 m (27 ft) high. The stupa has a 8.5 m (28 ft) deep foundation, and sits on bedrock.
The structure is no longer the tallest, but it is still the largest, with a base-area of 233,000 m2 (2,508,000 sq ft).[10] Approximately 93.3 million baked bricks were used in its construction; the engineering ingenuity behind the construction of the structure is a significant development in the history of the island.
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka and one of its ancient capitals, famous for the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization.
Now one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, the city was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies on the banks of the historic Malvathu River and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
It is said that Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi was established by Sanghamitta, the founder of a Buddhist nuns’ order, who carried a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment (the Buddha’s fig tree) to this hallowed city in the third century B.C.
After an invasion in 993, Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that existed for 1,300 years, was abandoned. The magnificent site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, has been hidden for many years in an impenetrable jungle and is now open to the public.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site predominantly influenced by Buddhism. Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first Capital Kingdom founded in the 5th Century BC. As you enter this historic city, you will notice brilliant white, dome shaped Ruwanweliseya and Jethawanarama stupas or ‘dagobas’. These two stupas are more than two thousand years old, with the Jethawanarama stupas being the size of the pyramids. Your tour continues with the ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue, a granite statue of Buddha in a meditative pose and a masterpiece of sculpture. If you wish you can receive a blessing near the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Ficus Religiosa) which bears a branch brought over from India over 2500 years ago and is considered to be the oldest tree recorded in the world.
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