Anuradhapura first became a capital in 380 BC under Pandukabhaya, but it was under Devanampiya Tissa (r 247–207 BC) – during whose reign Buddhism reached Sri Lanka – that it first rose to great importance. Soon Anuradhapura became a great and glittering city, only to fall before a South Indian invasion – a fate that was to befall it repeatedly for more than 1000 years. But before long the Sinhalese hero Dutugemunu led an army from a refuge in the far south to recapture Anuradhapura.
The ‘Dutu’ part of his name,incidentally, means ‘undutiful’ because his father, fearing for his son’s safety, forbade him to attempt to recapture Anuradhapura.Dutugemunu disobeyed him, and later sent his father a woman’s ornament to indicate what he thought of his courage.
Dutugemunu (r 161–137 BC) set in motion a vast building program that included some of the most impressive monuments in
Anuradhapura today. Other important kings who followed him included Valagamba (r 109–103 BC), who lost his throne in another Indian invasion but later regained it, and Mahasena (r AD 276–303), the last ‘great’ king of Anuradhapura, who was the builder of the colossal Jetavanarama Dagoba. He also held the record for tank construction, building 16 of them in all, plus a major canal. Anuradhapura was to survive for another 500 years before fi nally being replaced by Polonnaruwa, but it was harassed by invasions from South India again and again – invasions made easier by the cleared lands and great roads that were a product of Anuradhapura’s importance.
Top Sights in Anuradhapura
You’ll need a couple of days to properly explore the Unesco-recognised Anuradhapura Heritage Site which encompasses a large area.The main areas of interest are the following:
Mahavihara The spiritual centre of Anuradhapura with the truly amazing Sri Maha Bodhi(.
Abhayagiri Monastery A series of ruins more than 2000 years old spread over a fairly large area to the north.
Citadel A compact collection of sites about a 1000 years old.
Jetavanarama A huge dagoba and impotant museum lie in a fairly small area.
About Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Lord Gautama Buddha is considered as the Greatest Human Being appeared on earth. The esteemed one achieved the eternal bliss of Samma Sambodhi or the Enlightenment, ending the continuous circle of Samsara, the existence. This wonderful event took place 2600 years ago seated with his back against under an Esathu tree by the river Neranjana in the Buddhagaya, India. As the ascetic Siddhartha attained the Sambodhi Gnana under the shade of the Esathu tree, this highly venerated tree came to be known as the ‘Bodhi’.
The southern branch of this sacred tree in Buddhagaya was ceremoniously brought to Sri Lanka by Arahant Sangamitra Maha Theri in 236 BC, with the patronage of Emperor Dharmashoka. King Devanampiyatissa planted this Bodhi tree in his royal park ‘Maha Meghavana Udyanaya’ in Anuradhapura, under the guidance of Arahant Mahendra Maha Thero. Since then, this highly sacred Bodhi comparable to the living Buddha dwells there shining with glory. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura is the oldest living tree of the whole world with a written history.
