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Sri Maha
Bodhi Tree: The right branch of the Bodhi tree in
Bodh Gaya in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment
was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC by princess
Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Asoka. It was planted in
Anuradhapura and is venerated to this day by the Buddhists from
many countries of the world. This is the oldest recorded tree in
the world whose exact age is known. |
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Thuparma
Dagoba: Thuparama is the first dagoba to be built in
Anuradhapura during the reign of King Devanmpiyatissa (3rd
century BC) enshrining the right collarbone of the Buddha, His
alms bowl and other relics. |
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Ruvanveli
Dagoba: Ruvanveli Dagoba built by King Dutugemunu who
ruled the country in the 2nd century BC is a huge dagoba
measuring 103 metres in height with a circumference of 287
metres |
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Jetavana
Dagoba: Jetavana dagoba was built in the 3rd century
AD by King Mahasena. It is an enormous brick structure standing
in the centre of a large monastic complex measuring 3.2 hectares
in extent and is rated as the largest and tallest brick built
monument in the world. The structure has been declared a World
Heritage Site. |
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Abhayagiri
Dagoba: This Dagoba was built by King Valagam Bahu
(1st century B.C.) and it is the Sri Lanka's second highest
dagoba. It was at the Abhayagiri complex that the sacred Tooth
Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka was first housed. |
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Samadhi
Buddha: This 4th Century AD statue of the Buddha in
meditative pose is a world famous Buddha statue and acknowledged
as a masterpiece. |
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Isurumuniya: It is a picturesque rock temple built in
the 3rd century BC. The beautiful stone sculptures seen at the
temple are considered the most beautiful works of art in
Anuradhapura. |
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Mihintale:
Thirteen kilometers from Anuradhapura is the sacred mountain of
Mihintale, the site of introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in
the year 247 BC. World's first fauna and flora sanctuary was
established at Mihintale in the 3rd century BC. Today the peak
of Mihintale, approached by a grand stairway of 1840 granite
steps, has many temples, lodgings for monks and several splendid
statues of the Buddha. |
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Awkana:
Awkana-located 51 km southeast of Anuradhapura-is famous for 12
metres tall granite statue of Buddha, hewn out of solid rock in
the standing posture on a lotus pedestal. The statue was built
during the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century AD. |
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Kuttam
Pokuna: Kuttam Pokuna or the Twin Ponds-the two
breathtakingly beautiful bathing ponds aligned lengthwise-is a
manifestation of the artistic achievements in the field of
hydraulic engineering in ancient Sri Lanka. They date back to
around 8-10th century AD. |
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