Excellent Holiday Rentals in ancient Anuradhapura.
Rock Temple of Isurumuni Viharaya
Rock Temple of Isurumuni Viharaya
Constructed on a rock, Isurumuni Viharaya holds a special place in ancient Anuradhapura and Buddhist history. It is believed to have been the initial repository for the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha when it was brought to the island from India in 312 AD.
Isurumuni Viharaya, established during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307 – 267 B.C.), is celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings, the most renowned of which is the ‘Two Lovers’ sculpture. This famed artwork was originally discovered in the royal pleasure gardens near the temple before being relocated to the temple premises in ancient Anuradhapura
At the entrance of the Isurumuni viharaya is a large pond featuring a notable carving of bathing elephants. Ascending the stairs, one finds another intriguing carving depicting a man in a royal pose with a horse's head. While the temple's stupa and Buddha image are more recent additions, the site also includes