Hello friends,

I hope you all are well. Last February, my family and I went to Anuradhapura to worship at religious places of worship. Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, there were not many people in Anuradhapura at that time. But a small number of people came to pay their respects. So it was not as crowded as in previous years.

We had the opportunity to see the Kuttam Pond and the Moonstone, including six religious shrines. We first went to Ruwanweli Seya for worship. It was about 6.30am when we got there. In the morning it was quiet. After we went to and worship to other places including Sri Maha Bodhi. From here I am going to tell you about some of the religious places of worship in Anuradhapura.

Ruwanwelisaya

The Great Stupa of the Buddhists is the Ruwanweli Stupa. It was built by King Dutugemunu, a great king who ruled Ceylon at that time. The relics of the Supreme Buddha are deposited in the sthupa womb. Ruwanweli Seya can be introduced as a place that impresses everyone. And this place is full of a lot of by 'anuhas'. Statues of King Dutugemunu and his mother Viharamaha Devi have been erected near the Ruwanweli Stupa.

Statue of Goddess Viharamaha near Ruwanweli Seya.

Statue of King Dutugemunu near Ruwanweli Seya.

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Sri Maha Bodhi

The Sri Maha Bodhi was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Rahath Theraniya. It is from India as a southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi. King Devanampiyatissa reigned in Sri Lanka at the time of the arrival of the Sri Maha Bodhi. He received Sri Maha Bodhi and Sangamitta Rahath Theraniya with great ceremony. The Bo tree is covered with a gold plated fence. Sri Maha Bodhi is also revered by many devotees.

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Lowamahapaya

Lowamahapaya is a Sangha residence built for the Sangha. This too was built by King Dutugemunu. Today, only a few stone pillars can be seen on the nine-story Lowamahapa.

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Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is one of the most artistic places in Sri Lanka. Apart from the Isurumuni Chaitya, most of the carvings are found here. The carvings here highlight the artistic potential of the Sri Lankans of the time. Isurumuni lovers also have a legend built around Isurumuniya.

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Jethawanaramaya

The Jetavanaramaya, also known as the largest stupa, was built by King Mahasen for Mahayana Buddhism. This is made entirely of red brick. The upper part of the stupa is broken. That broken part can still be seen in the courtyard of the Chaitya.

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Samadhi Buddha statue and moonstone

Two other important places to see in Anuradhapura are the Samadhi Buddha statue and the moonstone. These two creations can be seen in the Mahamevna Park in Anuradhapura. The moonstone is related to the Arahants in the history of Sri Lanka.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

Moonstone

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The End.

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Thanks for reading.

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