Isurumuniya , Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
About Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya Rock Temple is a lovely, eye-catching temple, situated close to the Tisa Wewa. The temple stands on rock boulders and is set in picturesque and charming surroundings. There is a lotus pond at one side of the temple and there is a garden called Ranmasu Uyana next to it. The temple, built in the period of King Devanampiyatissa’s rule, is famous for the finesse carvings on the rock and grandeur settings.
The Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha was first preserved here. The various sculptures on the rock include horseman, elephants, kinnaras, dwarves, lovers and the Royal family. Of these, the carving of ‘lovers', built in the same design and style as those of the Gupta dynasty in India, is the most commended one. The sculpture, it is believed, portrays the couple, Asokamala and Saliya. The Royal family, the frolic elephants playing with water also have garnered admiration. The carving of a man with a horse head behind him speaks of the various rituals followed in those times. It is believed that this is the spot where rituals to please the Rain God, Parjanya, were taken place. The temple now houses a Buddhist image which has been added recently but the whole place has stood for many centuries.
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Places to Visit near Isurumuniya
Mirisawetiya Vihara, North Central Province
2 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Mirisaveti Stupa, located 1 kilometre to the east of Maha Bodhi, along the banks of Tisawewa, is yet another tourist and religious spot in the...
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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, North Central Province
2 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple is the centre of tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. Buddhists from all over the world visit this place because it...
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Ruwanwelisaya, North Central Province
2.9 km from Isurumuniya - See map
The ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is the seat of religion, traditions and cultures. Every piece of this land has some historical...
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Thuparama Dagoba, North Central Province
3.2 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Dagoba of Thuparama is one of the many holiest shrines of Anuradhapura. It stores the right collar bone of Lord Buddha which was brought by...
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Lovamahapaya, North Central Province
3.3 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Lovamahapaya was once a majestic palace with roofs covered with copper-bronze plates, the inner walls studded with precious stones and had a...
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Jethawanaramaya Stupa, North Central Province
4.4 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Jethawanaramaya Stupa, originally 400 feet, was once counted in the list of the tallest monuments of the world and its scale was matched only by...
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Lankarama Stupa, North Central Province
4.7 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Although little is known of the Lankarama Stupa, it is certain that it was built by King Vattagamini Abhaya around 1st century BC. This dagoba...
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Abhayagiri Dagoba, North Central Province
6.2 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Abhayagiri Vihara monastery that sheltered 5000 monks was once the seat of knowledge. It was a thriving centre of Buddhist philosophies that...
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Mihintale, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
15.3 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Mihintale, famously known as ‘Cradle of Buddhism’, is a mountain peak located close to the religious center of the country, Anuradhapura. It...
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Kaludiya Pokuna Forest, North Central Province
16.9 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Kaludiya Pokuna forest in Kandalama has rich biodiversity and the ruins of ancient time are also scattered here. The forest is renowned for its...
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Isinbassagala, North Central Province
35.3 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Isin Bassa Gala or Isinbassagala is an unknown place to the tourists but this off beat place can be as surprising as any other famous tourist...
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Wasgamuwa National Park, North Central Province
*54.2 km from Isurumuniya - See map
Wasgamuwa National Park is a peaceful inland nature reserve, where one is assured to spot large herds of elephants and buffalos. Unlike other...
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