Vessagiriya Aramic Complex at Anuradhapura

by Madura BandaraMadura Bandara

 Vessagiriya is located a few hundred meters left of the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-a-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one of these is the remains of a dagaba.

The original name of this site is Isurumuniya. By the time inscriptions identifying its name were discovered, historians had already named the ancient Meghagiri Vihara as Isuruminiya even though no inscriptions had been found. Since the name Isurumuniya was already taken and was well established, this site was named Vessagiriya.

According to historic Mahavamsa, of the first eight saplings that grew out of the Sri Maha Bodhi (Ashta Pala Bodhi), King Devanampiyatissa planted one at Issarasamanaramaya. Therefore the site known as Vessagiriya today is one of the sites in which an Ashtapala Bodhi was planted.

The remains of 23 caves with drip ledges that the monks used can be seen on two rock formations at Vessagiriya. Remains of many buildings had been found around the site, among which there were remains of an image house (pilima geya), dagoba, and refectory (monk’s dining room). Bricks recovered from the dagoba had Sinhalese characters from the 10th and 11th centuries. Also, there is a remains of a rare type of circular building devoid of any statues or pedestals. Although the purpose of this building is still a mystery, archaeologists have found seventy rare coins while excavating this building.












Other Nearby Attractions

Sorted by straight line distance given in brackets

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
Share to other apps
Copy Post Link

Contact Form