Isurumuniya is a Buddhist Temple that built on a rock near Lake Tisawewa Tank. It was the place where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha enshrined when it first arrived to the island from India in year 312 BC. The temple site is particularly notable for its 6th century Gupta styled rock carvings. The carvings of Pem-Yuwala Isurumuniya Lovers and the royal court scene of King Dutugemunu are undoubtedly the masterpieces among all.
Meghagiri Vihara most commonly known as Isurumuniya Temple, was built by King Devanampiyatissa (247-207BC) and later renovated by King Kasyapa (473-491)
The tranquil Isurumuniya site due to its location, is much less frequented by locals and tourists but it is not missed out by most pilgrims.
Paying homage to the main Buddha Image enshrined in Isurumuniya Vihara which was barred by a glass mirror.
A peep to the shrine hall
Some of the carvings at the old walls and pillars are still vivid but some began to worn off.
The lovely dancing dwarfs at the stone steps.
The two stone guards remain intact but the carvings at moonstone are not visible anymore.
The carving of a man seated on a royal pose with a horse head is found on the top level of the stair steps. It was said the carving was referred to Agin and Parjanya, God of Rain.
A bathing elephant was carved on the rock above the pond said to represent the clouds.
The site was believed to be a venue used by King to perform ceremonies for God of Rain.
The beautiful sight of elephant pond that lies in front of the temple.
The pair of huge stone vase, a symbol of prosperity that are placed at the two corners of the entrance ascending up to the rock top.
Unknown structure
The abundant Bodhi Tree is growing from the rock.
There were 32 caves found at site.
People dug into the rock for jewels leaving irregular round depressions on the rocky surface. The original stone steps that carved from the rock remain intact at site.
Some of the walls were vandalized by unmoral visitors.
An unique doorway built between rocks.
Astonishing view of the surroundings from top of the rock.
We were surprised to find a mini reclined idol of Lord Buddha and his foot prints at half way ascending to the top of the rock.
Steep metal steps leading to the very top of the rock.
The white stupa should be a recent structure.
Jetavana Stupa and some other structures could be clearly seen from the summit.
The serene Lake Tisawewa lies just short distance away from the temple site.
Stunning sun set at Lake Tisawewa.
Caves that were used earlier are now home to bats
Huge swallow bird nests are all over the hall ceiling of Shrine under the rock.
All these images are recent production but they look great.
Isurumuniya lovers stone slab was displayed in the nearby museum. There are few versions about the figures of the carved lovers. Some said it was Saliya, son of King Dutugumunu and his mistress Asokamala who was a maiden from lower caste. Saliya gave up the throne for her. Some believed that they were King and Queen and for Hindus, they said the figurines represented God Siva and his Goddess Parvatni.
Vessagiri Vihara standing not far away from the Elephant pond, was actually the original temple of Isurumuniya.
The small lily pond in front of Isurumuniya rock temple site create a scenic sight and a lovely home to many wild birds.
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