The pride of the Sri Lankan history begins right here, from this city, Anuradhapura. When you go for a tour to Sri Lanka, this is a must-visit ancient city, as every single place in this city keeps a great historical story interconnected with them. Though you can learn about the history of this ancient city from other online resources, this article will guide you to have a clear idea about the things which you have to explore in Anuradhapura.
Atamasthana (Eight Sacred Places)
You may find hundreds if not thousands to see in Anuradhapura, but these Atamasthana (“Eight Sacred Places”) are the most sacred you may be interested to visit. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya is the most sacred place among Sri Lankans as it is the southern branch of historical Sri Maha Bodhi tree of India, which Lord Buddha attained Nirvana (Enlightenment) underneath. There are some stories about pouring blood when trying to cut this tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi) and to stop cutting it right away when seeing it (you may not find those stories on the internet as they may or may not be true. However, according to those stories, people believe that Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a living tree just like a human being). The other seven places are Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. Each place has its own unique story which is inheritable to Theravada Buddhism.
Isurumuniya
