Isurumuniya Viharaya
The Isurumuniya Vihara, previously known as the Meghagiri Vihara, is often confused with the Vessagiri Vihara located a few hundred meters away. The Isurumuniya Vihara is famous for its stone carving of a couple, which was discovered in the royal pleasure garden and brought here. There are different interpretations of this carving. The most well-known is that it portrays Prince Saliya, the son of the great king Dutugamunu, and his lover Asokamala, who was of a lower caste. According to the legend, Prince Saliya gave up his right to the throne by marrying Asokamala. Another interpretation is that the couple represents the Hindu deities Siva and Parvathi.
In addition to the famous stone carving, the vihara also has a stone slab depicting a court scene believed to be from the court of King Dutugemunu. Both of these stone slabs are believed to date back to the 8th century. The vihara itself is constructed on a rock and was originally the place where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha was...
In addition to the famous stone carving, the vihara also has a stone slab depicting a court scene believed to be from the court of King Dutugemunu. Both of these stone slabs are believed to date back to the 8th century. The vihara itself is constructed on a rock and was originally the place where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha was...
