Isurumuniya, Anuradaphura | Timings, Entrance Fee, History

Isurumuniya, Anuradhapura Overview

Isurumuniya is a revered Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura. It is renowned for its impressive rock carvings, particularly the Isurumuniya Lovers, a famous bas-relief sculpture depicting a couple in a loving embrace. Isurumuniya also boasts other notable features such as a tranquil lotus pond, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

The temple complex itself is relatively small but exudes a sense of tranquility and spirituality, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking solace and cultural enrichment. Visitors to Isurumuniya can explore the temple grounds, admire the intricate carvings, and soak in the spiritual ambiance that permeates the site. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for leisurely walks and contemplation amidst nature, providing a holistic experience for those who venture to this ancient temple in Anuradhapura.

History of Isurumuniya

The temple, built by King Devanampiya Tissa stands close to the Tissa tank. Isurumuniya was regarded as a fortress and shelter. As many as 500 kids were ordained to take up holy priesthood back then, and Isurumuniya was built as their place of stay. King Tissa to encourage more young people to religious ministry set up a camp for high-class children and offered them a comfortable place for learning and worship. Renovations on Isurumuniya were carried out by King Kasyapa I and the vihara were named as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera" after his two children. Each of the carvings in the temple has a backstory; one such states that according to Ramayana, Vaisrawana who lived in Vessagiriya ruled Sri Lanka from Lankapura before Ravana. Sri Lanka in its entirety and Anuradhapura, in particular, holds tales of history that mark the inception and evolution of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Architecture in Isurumuniya

The structure of Isurumuniya is a crossover between a temple and a fortress. The edifice is on a cliff, and the vihara opens to a cave wherein rests a stupa. A rock on the cleft of the cave gives rise to statues of elephants and horses that symbolise the might troop of their combat. There is also a lake behind this stone marvel whose water flow never ceases to amuse. The infamous Isurumuniya lovers is a tale built along the lines of Romeo – Juliet. The figurines represent the love between Dutugemunu's son Saliya and the Sadol Kula maiden, Asokamala. Legend has it that he gave up the throne for her as the inscription reads - "Hail! The cell of Mahaya is given to Venerable Asalaya". Despite being in an of backwardness in thought, the carvings capture the gender roles impeccably. It shows a woman leading a man towards a path of light by daunting him against the wrong way. Overall Isurumuniya won the different walks of life back in the 2nd century itself. It thoughtfully carved out intricacies and details that would easily slip away from one's mind. The artisan's flow of thought transitions smoothly, and that proves appealing to our eyes!

Poson Festival in Isurumuniya

The month of June sees the celebration of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It marks the inception of Buddhism in Sri Lanka from the roots of India. Festivities take place in absolute grandeur, and the whole of Anuradhapura and its monuments are lit up to match this glamour.

Tips to Travel to Isurumuniya

Footwear is not permitted.
Wear an outfit that covers your shoulders and knees as it is disrespectful.
Carry a pair of goggles and a bottle of water to stay hydrated!

Anuradhapura Travel Packages

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Heritage Sri Lanka Tour - Sigiriya, Dambulla, K...

Colombo(1N) → Anuradhapura(1N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Dambulla(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N)

₹55,000/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka for 6 Nights

Colombo(0N) → Anuradhapura(2N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Kataragama(1N) → Colombo(1N)

₹ 27,600

13% off

₹23,900/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Cultural Trip to Sri Lanka - Visit to Temple of...

Negombo(1N) → Anuradhapura(1N) → Dambulla(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Galle(1N) → Colombo(1N)

₹33,000/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Magnificent 9 days in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura(1N) → Polonnaruwa(1N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Ella(1N) → Mirissa(1N) → Bentota(1N) → Colombo(0N)

₹ 64,800

10% off

₹58,000/person

12 Days / 11 Nights

Complete Sri Lanka Holiday Package in 12 Days

Negombo(1N) → Anuradhapura(1N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Ella(2N) → Udawalawe National Park(1N) → Mirissa(1N) → Galle(2N) → Negombo(1N)

₹80,000/person

16 Days / 15 Nights

Sri Lanka Round Tours 15 Nights 16 days

Negombo(1N) → Anuradhapura(1N) → Sigiriya(2N) → Kandy(2N) → Adam's Peak(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(2N) → Ella(2N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Mirissa(2N) → Colombo(1N)

₹ 78,000

16% off

₹65,000/person

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