Monday 18 March 2013

Sri Lanka Day 1: Rock Temple Isurumuniya Vihara



Our next stop was Isurumuniya Vihara, the rock temple.  Entry is Rs200.

The history of the temple was listed below.

It is not a big compound.  Most visitors started with ascending some steps to a small temple where there is a Budhha statue (photo not very clear) 

At the next building, there was a sleeping buddha statue (which most visitors would encounter throughout their travels in Sri Lanka). 
Mural paintings depicting teachings of Budhism.


At the end of the building, scene of Budhha preaching to the disciples. 

Beware of the droppings of the swallows (or bats?)
At the next building, there was a sculpture depicting embracing couples.  It was supposed to be well known and you get to see it on postcards or publicity posters.

I climbed up to the top of the building (easy access).   While it is not high up there, the view was rewarding.



Isurumuniya Vihara is worth a visit while in Anuradhapura.  It is compact and have few things to see.   Note that , in front of the the compound is the (remains of) Royal Pleasure Gardens (I only found out after).

For other entries on Sri Lanka, please visit Sri Lanka Travels




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