Abhayagiri Monastery
The second largest of the stupas in Sri Lanka, Abhayagiri Stupa has been built by King Wattagamini alias Walagamba (89-77 BC). This extends up to an extent of nearly 200 hectares. According to Fah-hsein who visited Sri Lanka in the fifth century, there had been three thousand resident Bhikkhus in the Mahavihara and five thousand Bhikkhus in the Abhayagiri.
The development of Abhayagiri reached its peak during the rule of King Mahasen and was the center of Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhist buildings found in the environs of Abhayagri indicate that this complex had been an important educational institution both locally and internationally.
Today, the main attraction of this Aramaic complex is the massive Abayagiri Stupa which stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. There also has been a 20-foot (6.1 meters) high Buddha statue made out of green jade. This monument carries special importance in ancient Sri Lankan Stupas as the top portions of the original stupa (known as the...
The development of Abhayagiri reached its peak during the rule of King Mahasen and was the center of Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhist buildings found in the environs of Abhayagri indicate that this complex had been an important educational institution both locally and internationally.
Today, the main attraction of this Aramaic complex is the massive Abayagiri Stupa which stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. There also has been a 20-foot (6.1 meters) high Buddha statue made out of green jade. This monument carries special importance in ancient Sri Lankan Stupas as the top portions of the original stupa (known as the...
Other places in Anuradhapura
- Ruwanweli Stupa
- Stone Bridge (Gal Palama)
- Isurumuniya Viharaya
- Vessagiriya Aramic Complex
- Padanagara
- Royal Goldfish Park (Ran Masu Uyana)
- Aukana (Avukana) Buddha Statue
- Mirisawetiya Dagaba
- Nakha Vehera
