The elaborated moonstones that placed at the foot of the staircase at the entrance of a Buddhist structure, are the most unique feature of Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It was a work of art. The semi circular stone slab were carved with symbolized items to reflect the Samsara World in Buddhism. It was first created in later part of Anuradhapura period during 7th to 8th century.
The moonstone at the Image House of Pancavasa Building in Abhayagiri Complex is one of the two exquisite moonstones from 7th to 8th century, existing in Sri Lanka famed for its particularly artistic carvings. The half lotus carved at the center of the stone slab that represents the achievement of enlightenment, are enclosed by several concentric bands. The procession of swans followed by intricate foliage design known as Liyavel at the first band is symbol of life force. The four animals (elephants, lions, horses and bulls) followed one to the other that depict the four stages of life: Birth, Decay, Disease and Death, were carved at the 3rd band. The flame motif at the utmost ring was interpreted as world on fire symbolized worldly desires.
The obvious difference between the moonstones carved during Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa period is the removal of lion and bull in the carvings. This was to respect the Hindus and Sinhalese national symbol. Four animals carved on a single band was also not appeared in Polonnaruwa moonstones, instead, they were individually arranged in the separate bands of the stone slab.
The lovely Bahirave dwarfs were beautifully sculpted at the stone staircases.
The guard stones at Rathaprasada ruins in Abhayagiri Complex, was the finest piece of its kind created between 7th to 8th century. It signified fertility generated prosperity. There are two lovers emerged from the mouth of the dragon above the cobra king, who in his hand, holding a pot of abundance. The carvings were interpreted as indulgence in worldly life is like entering into a dragon's mouth.
Dwarfs and Lions are the common characters seen in the Sinhalese carving arts. Lion that symbolizes power are The national symbol of Sinhalese Kingdom.
The site of Ratnaprasada where Abhayagiriya monks congregated, confessed and rectified their mistakes by chanting the Pratimoksha Sutta. It was the practice of Bikkus to do it twice a month. The original building dated back between 7th to 10th century was inscribed as a five storey divine mansion. The present ruins belong to the later structure that built over its original chapter House.
There were four ponds at the four entrances of Abhayagiri Dagoba, setting in four cardinal directions to gather rain water falling into the terrace. Was this pond one of them, I do not have information to confirm!
Abhayagiri Stupa was established in first century BC by King Vattagamini Abhaya also known as King Valagamba. The King, one year after ascended to the throne, was facing challenges from Brahim priests and attacks from Indian Tamils invaders. He fled from the capital after Anuradhapura fell into the enemy's hand. When he passed by the Giri Monastery on the way of fleeing out from the city, he was laughed and insulted by a Jain Priest. He resolved and made a vow that should he be able to regain his kingdom, he would built a temple right here. His vow was fulfilled soon after 14 years of his refuge. He at last defeated the Tamil last ruler and re-reign the country between 89 to 77BC. The site of the massive Abhayagiri Stupa was where the original site of Jain's hermitage.
Abhayagiri Dagoba measured at 75 meters in height including of its damaged spire, was the second largest stupa in the island today. According to the description of Chinese Monk Rev. Fa-Hsieng, the stupa had been up to a height of 122 meters and was adorned with gold and silver, studded with multi jewels. The Buddha Image enshrined at the Stupa was two meters tall and was made from emerald Jade stone.
Abhayagiri Dagoba was established by King Valagamba, expanded by King Gajabahu and renovated by King Parakramabahu in 12th century. After thousand years of negligence, the original Hattaras Kotuwa top portion of Abhayagiri Stupa survives till today, but to fully restore to its past glory, it needs great effort and enthusiasm.
The beautifully ornamented pillars or beams of the four front pieces that were set in four cardinal directions at the base of the stupa, to face the gateways of the square terrace.
One of the decorative shrines at site
Aukana Raja Maha Viharaja was a temple named after the village near Kekirawa, somewhere close to Kalawewa man-made rainwater reservoir in north central of Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its tallest Buddha image carved out round from a large granite rock surface leaving a narrow strip connecting to the rock boulder. The lotus pedestal placed under the statue where Buddha stands was carved out separately. The stone sculpture which is one of the best example of a standing Buddha Image from ancient Sri Lanka, is a master piece of a colossal Buddha Image by unknown sculptor .
The 13 meters high (with lotus base) standing image of Lord Buddha was believed to be enshrined in a large shrine hall measured as big as 23 meters in length by 19 meters in width. Remains of the temple walls could be seen today at site.
Though it was believed that the stone image of Buddha was built in 5th century during the reign of King Dhatusewa but inscription on the slab at the remaining shrine wall revealed that it was made in second half of 8th century. It was said that the degree of alignment was so accurate that the rain drops on Buddha's nose would straightly drop down to the small depression carved between his toes. The body proportion that based on nine times of the face length was an trigonometry followed by sculptors of 8th century.
The carving has sign of influences from Indian Arts. The Buddha's robe was skillfully carved with clear and delicate pleats without failing to show the underlying form of body. The Buddha was in Asisa Mudra blessing posture with left hand clutches to the robe at left shoulder and right hand raises up with palm facing left. His face's impassive expression gives out an aura of a spiritual supremacy.
Mirisaveti Stupa that lies further south in Anudhapura was one of the earliest monuments built to deposit the Buddha's relic. It was a distinctive monument of Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka built by King Dutugemunu (161-137BC) in 2nd century BC. The stupa was built with brick masonry mixed with stone and mortar, placed at the center and surrounded by other virtual and residential buildings.
The 1300 years old Mirisaveti Stupa is the only structure in the country that enshrined the Buddha's relic with royal item. The legend says that King Dutugemunu (161-137BC) placed the Buddha's relic in his scepter and one day when he found that the scepter he placed at the spot could not be removed out after he returned from the bath at Tisawewa lake, he built the stupa on top of it. Scepter was a symbol of sovereignty and victory. Enshrined it under a stupa became a mark of ending the armed struggle fought for the power in the country.
The spear of King Dutugemunu with Buddha's relic were enshrined in the Relic Chamber inside the Garbha Dome, adorned with figurative and thematic murals.
In order to show the utmost respect to Mirisaveti Stupa, more and more relics and valuable items were contributed and decorations were made to adorn it by many subsequent ancient Kings of Sri Lanka. Though continuous renovation and restoration were made during Kings Gayabahu and Kasyapa period in later centuries, the original stupa still could not survive as a result of vandalism from foreign invasions and natural reasons. The existing 192 feet tall monuments was restored in year 1991 by Government of Sri Lanka funded by devoted Buddhists.
The four frontiers pieces placed at four cardinal points at the base of the Dome are significant. The ornamentation of the ancient classical stone carvings, sculptures and mural paintings are the oldest and most beautiful creation.
Some relics of Buddha and his disciples and many other sacred items were enshrined in the frontiers pieces by ancient kings.
Mirisaveti Stupa occupied the principal position in the monastery through out the glorious Anudhapura era and retained its rituals and architectural characteristic feature as a major structure in the central precinct of religious complex.
A respect visit to the resident monks in the nearby temple of Mirisaveti Stupa who is so compassion and kind to prepare a great local breakfast for us to continue our journey. He further delivered a brief dharma talk and gave me a wonderful present of a little relic stupa carved out from an elephant task. Sadhu .
Hotel and Rest House of The Sanctuary at Tissawewa was where we had our first night in Anuradhapura. It was pleasant, cozy and serene!
Beams of morning sunlight penetrated into the premises keep us warm and pleasurable.
Hotel environment provide a safe and freed home to many wild fauna like monkeys and migrating birds
A beautiful day begins from this morning!
The crystal morning dew !
A moment of touch! They have been side by side, like this, for four decades.
While admiring the great ancient trees at the premises park, we saw our vehicle coming its way to pick us up for another destination, though reluctant to leave so early, we have to bid good-bye. This is life.
The lovely lotus at Tissawewa Lake where ancient King Dutugemunu took the bath and left his spear at the site of Mirisaveti Stupa.
Lake Tesawewa, a man-made rainwater reservoir.
