Isurumuniya, Anuradhapura - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 km from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura. Situated on the side of Tissa Wewa, it is one of the popular historical monuments in Anuradhapura.

Originally known as Meghagiri Vihara, the Isurumuniya Viharaya was constructed during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa as a monastic complex for 500 high caste children and then evolved to becoming a temple owing to its sanctity. Thereafter it was renovated by King Kasyapa (473 - 491 AD) who renamed it 'Boupulvan Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera'. As per the mythology, this is the place where Pulasthi Rishi was live and the place of which King Ravana was born. This place has a written history of about 5000 years.

This charming rock temple was built partly into a cave with a lovely pool in the front and a boulder forming the rear wall. A small stupa was built on this cliff during a later period. At the picturesque entrance to Isurumuniya, a rock can be seen either side of a crevice, and this rock seems to rise out of a pond. The rock face bordering the rear of the pond is well adorned with a couple of exquisite rock carvings. One is of a herd of Elephants giving the impression of their playful antics in the pond. The sculpture has also captured the majesty of the leader elephant of the herd. The other one is of a seated man and the head of a horse behind him.

Part of the temple holds a room that has beautiful stone carvings, and one of the most famous is the 'Isurumuniya lovers'. This was originally found in Royal Pleasure Gardens and brought here. The lovers are identified as King Dutugemunu's son Saliya and his non-royal consort Asokamala, the ultimate lissom woman with matchless beauty. Saliya forfeited his royal titles for the sake of his lover. The Moonstone at the entrance called Sanda Kada Pahana, the guard stones at the entrance to the temple and the balustrades are exquisite carvings done in stone. A few yards away from this vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana, the royal garden.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: LKR. 500 for Person