Tips Clear – Media Surfer News Tips Clear: Your Daily Dose of Expert Advice
In the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka lies the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya. Founded by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, the monastery complex has been the cornerstone of Theravada Buddhism for centuries. The Buddhist complex reflects a history marked by periods of both growth and destruction. The Maha Viharaya, which houses many ruins, stupas, and monuments within it, gives any tourist an idea about the vast heritage of Sri Lanka. This is one of the main reasons why the Maha Viharaya has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient City Of Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya
Image Credit: Buddhist Maha Vihara for Facebook
While Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya may not represent a functioning monastery in the traditional sense, it holds immense spiritual importance. This historical and religious significance makes it a popular tourist spot for all the history, Buddhism, and ancient architecture geeks alike who find themselves in Sri Lanka.
Must Read: The Golden Temple Of Dambulla
Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya: A Time Jump Into The Past
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
As we know by now, Anuradhapura Maha Vihara is within the complex of Anuradhapura Archeological Park. There is a ticket fee of about 4500 LKH, but it is subject to changes. Hence, it is advised to check beforehand. You can purchase the tickets from various counters in different museums like the Folk Museum or the Jethawana Museum. Various modes of transportation can take you to Maha Vihara as Anuradhapura has a good bus network connecting it to other towns and cities in Sri Lanka. Car/cabs are also a more comfortable option owing to well-maintained highways across the country.
On the day of the visit, arrive early at around 8:30 am, around the park’s opening time. This gives you plenty of time to explore the open grounds, avoiding the midday heat. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved inside the complex. Also, remember to dress modestly out of respect for the site’s religious significance.
How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways
Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)
Timings: All days of the week
Opening: 8:30 AM
Closing: 5:30 PM
Maha Bodhi- The Living Connection To Gautam Buddha
Image Credit: Nancy Yu for Wikimedia Commons
Don’t forget to explore other important sites in the Anuradhapura Archaeological Park besides the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya! One of these significant sites is the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. The sapling of the original Bodhi tree brought from Bodhgaya in the past is said to carry a connection to Buddha for many, giving a sense of belonging to the Maha Bodhi tree in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Pilgrims can be seen making various offerings to the tree, meditating beside it, or just admiring one of the oldest trees in the world, standing under its spiritual shade, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways
Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)
Timings: All days of the week
Opening: 8:30 AM
Closing: 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
The Thuparamaya Dagoba Stupa
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Believed to be the oldest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya’s origins again date back to the 3rd century BCE. The name “Thuparamaya,” itself is a beautiful blend of “stupa” and “aramaya” translating to “monastery complex for monks,” resembling a close association with the Monk community during the period. The legend goes like this: When Gautam Buddha was cremated, his remains were enshrined as 10 relics by his followers. It is said that one of the relics, Buddha’s collar bone was enshrined in the Thuparamaya Dagoba Stupa, where it rests till date, making the grounds of the complex a sacred place for Buddhists around the world. It is widely believed that the presence of a Buddha relic imbues it with an aura of holiness, attracting pilgrims for centuries. The observable sense of tranquillity is often described as overwhelming but welcomed.
How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways
Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)
Timings: All days of the week
Opening: 8:30 AM
Closing: 5:30 PM
Kuttam Pokuna
Image Credit: Nicolas Chadeville for Wikimedia Commons
As you explore the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya complex, pay attention to the Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the Twin Ponds of Anuradhapura. They are two similar ponds side by side, used for ritual bathing and cleaning in the ancient era. Sitting around the complex, marvelling at the ancient architecture and intricate design of the ponds is a perfect rest stop for one’s excursion.
How to Reach: Public bus, Cars or taxi via highways
Fee per person: LKR 4500 (Check prices before visiting)
Timings: All days of the week
Opening: 8:30 AM
Closing: 5:30 PM
Further Read: Elephant Sanctuaries In Sri Lanka
Cover Image Credit: No Game for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently asked questions About Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya
What is the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya?
Translating to the ‘Great Monastery’ in Pali, the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya was a vast monastery complex for Theravada Buddhism, that was founded in the 3rd century BCE. In its prime, it was known for attracting scholars and fostering religious learning. Although, today, only the ruins of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya stand as a testament to its rich history and remain a significant pilgrimage site.
What are the must-see sights within the Maha Viharaya?
Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa, Thuparamaya Dagoba stupa, Bodhi Tree, and Brazen Palace. All these sites are said to have roots connecting to the relics of Gautam Buddha, holding immense historical and religious significance. The complex has a mix of restored monuments and preserved relics that display the talents of ancient builders.
Is there any entry fee for Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya?
Yes, there is a fee to enter the Anuradhapura Archeological Park. Once inside the park, you can visit all the key sites in the complex, including Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya. Beyond that, you can also hire a tuk-tuk to explore the archaeological park where the driver doubles as your tour guide for the extrusion.
What is the best way to explore the Maha Viharaya?
You may choose to walk around the complex or hire rental bicycles for a more relaxed experience, depending on the weather. You may also hire a tuk-tuk driver who will act as your guide and show you to the Maha Viharaya and other key sites.
What should I wear when visiting the Maha Viharaya?
Maha Viharaya is a place of religious significance, and respectful attire is recommended. Go for lightweight and loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
What’s the best time to visit the Maha Viharaya?
Anuradhapura experiences a hot weather around the year. Early mornings or late afternoon hours can help you avoid the midday heat. The winter months and dry months of March and April offer pleasant weather for exploring.
How long will it take to explore Maha Viharaya?
One complete day. Make sure to reserve a full day for Maha Viharaya in your trip itinerary. The complex is spread across 40 kilometer squares with many other significant sites worth visiting. Make sure to reach early to avoid crowds and heat. Since there will be a lot of walking, you will be tired by the end of the visit hence, make sure you get good rest afterwards.
People Also Read:
Saint Catherine’s Monastery Ritigala Forest Monastery Tashiding Monastery
