Avukana Buddha Statue
The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet, was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved.
Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanweli Maha Seya is a towering stupa in Anuradhapura, built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. Revered as one of the most sacred Buddhist monuments, it enshrines the largest collection of Buddha’s relics and stands as a symbol of ancient Sinhalese architecture and spiritual devotion2.
Sri Maha Boodhi Temple
The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest historically documented tree in the world, grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in 288 BC, it is a sacred pilgrimage site and a cornerstone of Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka.
Jethawanaramaya
Jethawanaramaya is one of the tallest brick structures in the ancient world, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. This massive stupa once stood over 120 meters high and was part of the Jetavana monastery, symbolizing the power of Theravāda Buddhism.
Dagoba of Thuparama
Thuparamaya is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism. Constructed by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC, it enshrines the right collarbone relic of the Buddha and marks the beginning of Buddhist architecture on the island.
Mirisawetiya Stupa
Mirisawetiya Stupa was built by King Dutugemunu to enshrine his battle spear containing Buddha’s relics. Legend says the king forgot to offer his meal to monks and built the stupa as penance. It’s one of Anuradhapura’s earliest and most revered stupas.
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Kuttam Pokuna, or the Twin Ponds, are ancient bathing tanks showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering. Built for Buddhist monks, these symmetrical stone pools reflect the sophistication of Anuradhapura’s water management systems.
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
The Anuradhapura Moonstone is a semi-circular stone slab found at the entrance of ancient temples. Intricately carved with symbolic motifs, it represents the cycle of life and is a hallmark of Sinhalese artistry and Buddhist symbolism.
