Anuradhapura is one of the most reknown site of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, mainly because Anaradhapura used to be the former capital and the shelter of Buddha Tooth Relic, now in Kandy. Anuradhpura is also one of the most religious site of Sri Lanka with lots of beautiful processions. Anuradhapura was not my crush, but we had the chance to assist to the full moon celebration, where every one was dressed in white following a so respected monk.
Anuradhapura entry is quite expensive, around 12 000 rupies, which is a fortune in Sri Lanka. However, there is a way to see the three major attractions without paying this exorbitant price. Ask your driver to drop you at these major points, which are the Bodhi Tree temple called Java Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya stupa and Isurumuniya temple. Other attractions are vestiges and dagobas but you will see a lot of them in Sri Lanka and I am not sure it worth 12 000 rupies. You can also visit the site with a bike as distances are quite important. Do not forget to cover yourself, knees and shoulders and bring a pair of socks to walk as shoes are not allowed and the groung is incredibly burning...
Let's start with Isurumaniya temple, a bit further and outside of the buzzling city. The entry is 200 rupies. The visit was not impressive but the temple is surrounded with baths where a lovely elephant is carved, and peaceful gardens. There is a major fresco representing two sir lankan lovers and you can climb up to the rock to have a view on the surrundings.
Let's go on with Anarhadpura Bodhi Tree temple, which is the most famous Bodhi Tree of Sri Lanka, certainly because this one of the most majestic and the oldest of the country. This Bodhi tree, aged of 2000 years old, is a fig tree reprensenting the tree where Buddha used to seat down and meditate. This is why buddhist temples all have a Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka. This is where we had the chance to see the beginings of the celebrations, with pelerins dressed up in white, following the monk turning around the Bodhi Tree before reaching Ruwanweliseya. This is the time when people pray and bring beautiful offerings. Try to have your visit of Anuradhapura matching the fullmoon, the colorful show worths it !
At the end of the Bodhi Tree tour, the monk joins a group of musicians and other pelerins waiting for him. The procession then is on the way to Ruwanweliseya and we decided the follow them. The self discipline of the pelerins following the monk is impressive. There are also some musicians nicely and proudly dressed up with folkloric suits.
Ruwanweliseya is a huge stupa representing heaven or the head of Buddha. This dagoba is impressive by its size but also by the purity of its white. You can start to light on few candles and turn around the stupas with other pelerins.
The dome is supported by structures orned with elephants as buddhists think the world is supported by elephants :)
To sum up, Anuradhapura was not impressive in terms of architecture, ruins, vestiges and monuments as we had the opportunity to see lots of them in Sri Lanka already, especially at Polonnuwara. However, the religious rituals and processions were really interesting and beautiful to observe and to deep you better in Sri Lankan culture.
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