Traveller s Master Guide

Transcription

1 1 Traveller s Master Guide Anuradhapura Kingdom P. A. A. Kumarasinghe

2 2 Traveller s Master Guide Sri Lanka P. A. A. Kumarasinghe ISBN: st Print March Typseting Yasoda Graphics - Anuradhapura Cover :- P. K. D. Chaminda Print by:- S&S Printers No. 49, Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha, Colombo 10. Tel: Traveller s Master Guide Sri Lanka All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission from the Chief Author.

3 Contents Text... PageNo The Author... 4 Preface... 6 Anuradhapura Map of Anuradhapura... 7 Historical Background of Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura Kingdom)... 8 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya (sacred tree) Lova Maha Paya. (Bronze Palace) Chathus Salawa MahaVihara Alms Hall 14 Ancient Hospital belonged to Mahaviharaya Ruwanweli Maha Seya (Ratnamali Maha Thupa) Thuparamaya - Stupaand Monastery Complex Anuradhapura Kingdom - Inner and outer Cities The Palaces ofanuradhapura Abhaya Giri Vihara Monastery Complex Twin Ponds The Samadhi Buddha Statue JanthaGhara Abhaya Giriya Dagaba AbhiSeka Mandapaya (Coronation Hall) Sanni Patha Shalawaor Chief Meeting Hall The Building Belonged to Monasteries 29 Dana Salawa (Alms Hall) AthPokuna (Elephant Pond) Bodhi Garaya (The House of the Bodhitree) Dalada Mendura (Temple of the Tooth Relic) Ratna Prasadaya (Chapter house) The Moonstone Lankaramaya Jethavana Dageba, Monastery Complex, Museum Museum Bodhi Garaya (Tha House of the Bodhi tree) Stone Railing Uposatha Gara (The Chapter House) Dana Salawa (Alms Hall) JethaVanarama Dageba Patima Ghara (The Image House) Mirisaweti Dageba, Monastery complex Anuradhapura Museum DhakkhinaThupa Isurumuni Viharaya (Meghagiri Viharaya) Ranmasu Uyana (Royal park) Wessagiriya (Isurumuni Vihara Complex) Tantirimale Mihintale Ancient Hospital Kantaka Chetiya (Stupaya) Ancient Caves for meditation Sinha Pokuna (The Lion Pond) Dana Salawa (Alms Hall) Sannipatha Salawa (Assembly Hall) The two inscription of King Mihindu IV 54 Sila Cetiya, The Ambasthala Vatadage Aradhanagala (Rock of Invitation) Mihidu Guhawa (Mihindu Cave) Mihidu Guhawa (Mihindu Cave) Mihindu Seya (The Stupa of Mahinda Thera) Naga Pokuna (The Cobra Pond) Kaludiya Pokuna (The Black Water Pool) 61 Other places belonged to the Sacred Mihinthale Ritigala The Ancient Irrigation Civilization of Sri Lanka The beginning of the Buddha Statues in Sri Lanka, Evolutionand Characteristics Anuradhapura Reigning Period - Aukana Buddha Polonnaruwa Period- Features of the Buddha Statues The Features of Buddha Statues in the Kandy Period Contents Maps Sri Lanka Anuradhapura....8 Abhaya Giri Vihara Monastery Complex Jethavana Dageba, Monastery Complex Mirisaweti Dageba, Monastery complex Tantirimale Mihintale Ritigala Aukana BuddhaStatue

4 4 Fore word My tour of Thailand in 2003 was the main reason influenced me to prepare this explorative handbook as a guide for tourists. I realized that there is a well organized tourists industry in Thailand. Most of the erections there have been created recently to win the attraction of the tourists. When comparing Sri Lanka with it our heredity goes back to thousands of years in the past, a country of having a higher civilization with so many valuable historical monuments and also with natural beautiful resources, environment, a coastal line and also a country with a good climatic condition for a long period in the year for tourists. Though it is a small island - enjoyable prevailing environment will attract the tourists. As it is what we should do is managing the necessities with a responsible manner carefully. I did my part very carefully and thoughtfully with utmost effort. During our young days in a technologically under developed environment, we were brought up without facilities like television etc. Our elders were in the habit of relating praiseworthy interesting stories belonged to our ancient legends, was a normal tradition. When we reached adolescence we had a thorough knowledge of legends belonged to our historical kings. As such what I realized was to prepare a tourists guide book containing archaeological research based on our ancient monuments and explorations. As there are so many facts it is a difficult task to include all of them in a booklet like this. Therefore I have mentioned here only the very specific informations only. I tried my best, to include these facts very impartially. If there is anything hurting or annoying I apologise. I very respectfully commemorate everybody who contributed to build these monuments, from the very inception Rev. Arahath Mahinda Thero (250BC) King Devanampiyatissa ( BC) very respectful monks and all the kings and our fore fathers are honorably remembered. The idea of preparing a booklet like this came to me due to the participation of my beloved friend Mr. K. H. S. A. Kasthuriarachchi and crowd in the tour in Thailand, my thanks to him too. Though you get this book for a small

5 5 sum of rupees, the enormous endeavour, time, labour and money spent by me is very high. A big amount of wealth I gained from the parents too had to spend. By spending so much of money and going all over the country in search and accumulating the informations, at the beginning there were objections from my wife. But after explaining the facts, very humbly accepting them, she did all her duties to my aged father and three of my daughters and me, as well. Mr. A. M. Karunarathna, a skilful writer, former G. A. Kurunegala, Retired Chairman of the western province public service commission, became a teacher of mine, in finding historical informations. I learned from him about stabilizing the facts find in books, by going to archaeological sites. In preparing this booklet, I had to go through a very large number of books. Therefore I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the undermentioned persons. The educated editors of the associated books, the translators of those books, Anuradhapura Librarian and the working staff, H. C. P. Bel, a British, treated as the father of archaeology and all the archaeological commissioners, who rendered an inestimable service for archaeology of Sri Lanka, the curators incharge of archaeological sites, who did not do any obstruction, when I visited the sites to observe them, the photographers who supplied, photographs of archaeological importance and those who protected them. Last of all I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Somapala Wijesundara, Retired Director, Education incharge of ART, (Kala Bhooshana-Kalakeerthi) N.C.P. for doing a very responsible, strenuous and inestimable work in translating this book to English. P. A. A. Kumarasingha

6 6 Preface This booklet written by Mr.P.A.A.Kumarasingha about the ancient ruins, paintings, decayed buildings and holy places etc of our country, after a thorough study is very interesting I found him to be a person devotes much of his time in archaeology, though he is not either an archaeologist or an Artist. But anyway as he has mentioned in his foreword, that he was inspired to write a book like this by the tour in Thailand in Amidst many obstacles, he has travelled in many places of interest, spending much of his time and money in search of facts for this book. He expresses his views as well along with the facts he accumulated. Those views cannot be rejected easily. The way how he is presenting the facts are interesting. This fascinating subject is a vast one, not easily to be compressed in to a few pages. In his analysis of Sigiriya Frescoes mentioning about the two types of prevailing techniques and the historical facts will be very useful for those who study art and archaeology. In translating these articles, it is not an easy task, as certain terms used only in Asian countries, as it is difficult to find English Terms. However I thank him for his determination in preparing this book. Kala Bhushana, Kala Keerthi Somapala Wijesundara Retired Director Education/ Art NCP

7 Anuradhapura which belongs to about 900 B.C, though archaeologically come to different opinions, there is no way of getting an idea about the Founders of them. (I) For more than 100 years as there was no development in Technology, how could Pandukabhaya get it once? The present historians and archaeologists of the whole world have accepted that the oldest culture of erecting reservoirs (tanks) inherited to Sri Lankans. As such, this prince cannot be an Indian Sakya, but a Sri Lankan Yakka, and this prediction of our archaeologists and historians could be believed. My ambition is to give you a very pleasurable entertainment where you cannot get from anywhere else in 11 the whole world, as we are a country inherited for such a long history from 6 B.C. where a number of kings had been ruling It is a difficult task include all in one volume. As such this is a brief analysis of cultural heritage and the way of life of our people of Sri Lanka. 1. Jaya Sri maha bodhya (sacred tree) To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM This sacred tree is found in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. It is a very holy property of Buddhists in the whole world. In 250 B.C. the mission was headed by Thera Mahinda, son of the Emperor Dharmasoka in India, was sent to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism. On their arrival, King Dewanampiytissa welcomed and JayaSri maha bodhya sacred tree-before reconstructions

8 12 accepted with honour, the gift of Dhamma (Buddhist Doctrine) and so many became Buddhists. On hearing the news the King Dharmasoka would have felt very happy. As such to improve the faith and for worship, he sent the lively symbol of Buddhism, a branch obtained from the sacred Bo Tree, which gave the shade to the Buddha at the time of Enlightenment, to Sri Lanka through his daughter Theri Sangamittha. In 249 B.C. along with some companions, she brought the sapling of the Bodhi tree, and embarked at Tamra lipti and landed at Jabukola in Sri Lanka, as mentioned in chronicles. The King Dewanampiyatissa, received with due honour and brought them to Anuradhapura in a procession. On the instructions of Thera Mahinda, under the leadership of the king with the participation of the regional rulers that the sapling was planted in the Mahamevuna garden, organizing a grand festival. This is the only tree which has a written history. This tree has no top root as was obtained from a branch of the original tree. Most of the ancient kings had contributed in some way. The most important thing is getting down the sacred Bo-Tree by King Dewanampiyatissa, and selecting the most suitable site and planting it, and the settling the people belonged to 18 castes, which arrived here for the security of the Bo-Tree, in suitable places, in a systematic way. From the year 249 B.C. up to now the office bearers of the Board of control of Sri Maha Bodhiya, officially inherited from generation to generation. As it is so amids so many difficulties they look after the Bo- Tree as if it is their life, for the benefit of the future generation, and for the upliftment of Buddhism. The leaders of those 18 castes, who are looking after Bodhitree are named Bodhi Haraka caste people. They are connected to Asoka Emperors Dynasty. As such in ancient times they had the right of heir to the throne. There are numbers of old rituals and ceremonies associated with the sacred Bo-Tree are being performed up to this day. There are four great Festivals performed annually, namely the New Rice Festival, The New year Festival, The Old year Festival and Karthi Festival. The New Rice Festival being the chief one, it is held with the participation of many peasants after reaping the harvest. Almost all the scattered pious Buddhists in the country to succeed their activities the pregnant ladies to deliver the children safely, and in educational matters, to face them vigorously they make vows at the sacred Bo-Tree. As soon as they succeed in them, they perform their duties as promised. Kalu Devatha Bandara is considered as the occupied

9 god of the sacred Tree. There was a Religious Festival named Dara Miti Perahera connected with the Sacred Bo-Tree based on the Nikini Full Moon Day. In the month of Nikini alias August due the terrible drought, there is a possibility of harming the Bo-Tree by the wild elephants, who are going here and there in search of water, to avert the same, there had been a habit of the villagers around, lighting bon fires round the Tree to frighten the wild elephants and keep them away. It was the tradition of the devotees bringing carts full of firewood in a procession. (2) Lova Maha Paya. (Bronze Palace) To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM In front of the Northern entrance of the sacred Bo-Tree, the ruined building found with a number of stone pillars is Lova Maha Paya or the Bronze Palace. It was built by King Dutugemunu in ( B.C). This mansion was originally built with 9 storeys and the roof was covered with copper-bronze tiles. Hence it was known as Lova-Pasada alias Lova Maha Paya. This was the tallest building that time. It is described in a pleasing manner in the 27th chapter from 24th up to 43 pages in Maha Wansa our great chronicle, about the size and how the building was variegated. 13 It mentions that there were 1000 rooms alone. During the regime of King Saddhatissa ( B.C) due to an over toppling of a lamp, it was burned and destroyed, and again, he rebuilt in 7 storey. After wards, after 325 years King Sirinaga II renovated the decayed building, having 5 storeys. Again King Gotabhaya ( A.C) started renovating and his son King Jettatissa I ( A.C) once again raised the height of the building to seven storeys. His brother King Mahasen ( A.C) because of a wicked minister and instigation of an immoral monk demolished the mansion. (M. V. 37, 11) But his son King Keerthi Sri Meghawarna ( A. C) apologizing from the monks for his father s wrongful acts, rebuilt it once again. A formal renovation was done last of all by king Parakramabahu I who reigned Polonnaruwa making it the capital ( A.D) (M.V.74, 12). Here in each row there are 40 stone pillars and in all 1600 pillars in the ground floors have been built on wooden pillars. In an excavation done, have found fragments of painted plasters and burnt Palmyra and Palm (Kithul) rafters. In the past the building had been used for monks to perform their Uposatha Kamma as well as for them to store their goods. Once in every 15 days Higher Ordained monks assemble here and confess the offences committed, and promising

10 14 Lova Maha Paya. (Bronze Palace-before restoration) not to repeat them in future. Leaving aside the practicing of disciplinary activities of the monks it is a very difficult task to explain them in detail. (3) Chathus Salawa Maha Vihara Alms Hall. To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM Passing the Bronze Palace, proceeding towards the Ruwanweliseya to the right side this can be seen. The King Devanampiyatissa built this in ( B.C) Chathus Salawa means a square Hall, used by the monks, for having their meals (Dane). The kings belonged to the later periods, had done renovations and had sponsored supplying the alms (Dane) for the monks in Maha viharaya. It seems that at least for 3000 monks would have been supplied with alms from the Rice Boat here, which is 14.5 metres in length. According to the Chinese monk Rev Fa-Hsien s reports, too it is proved that there had been 3000 monks living in Maha viharaya. (4) Ancient Hospital belonged to Maha viharaya. To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM This is situated near the main entrance of Ruwanweliseya. So far the creator is not revealed, either from chronicles mentioned about hospitals in certain chronicles, so far

11 15 Maha Vihara Alms Hall (before restoration) nothing had been found regarding this Hospital. If it had been built after the King Dutugemunu in ( B.C) easily they could have mentioned very easily. As Buddhism was established in 250 B.C. and in the same year the King Devanampiyatissa demarcated the Mahamevuna garden and offered to the monks, they would have felt the need of a Hospital. As such it was a periodical need there would have been at least a small hospital. It is clean and reconstructed, when examining carefully. The ground plan of this site is almost equal to the ancient Mihintale and Thuparamaya hospital plans. Due to ignorance of archaeology, when preparing the road they have paved the path over the ruins damaging them. When closely examining this site it is clear, that there are ruins belonged to two different periods. We can dare say that the Two guard stones found to the North belonged to the initial period of Anuradhapura (B.C and the two guard stones found to the South belonged to the medieval period. Considering the archaeological symptoms of the mediaeval period or even before it was a method of native treatment for the patients, from the ancient times, which includes the patient being dipped in a medicinal boat, where boiled medicinal water is filled.

12 16 Ruwanweli Maha Seya(before reconstructions) (5) Ruwanweli Maha Seya. (Ratnamali Maha Thupa) To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM Building of this was started by Sinhala hero, King Dutugamunu in ( B.C) built up to the square enclosure. (The hathares-kotuwa) Our Great Chronicle the Mahavamsa describes a very interesting account of the ceremony held at the laying of Foundation. For this ceremony alone participated Bhikkus from various countries. Enabling to carry the weight of the Maha Thupa, there dug to a depth of seven cubits. (About 6.5 metres) Introducing Limestone blocks and broken with hammers, had crushed stamped down by elephants with feet covered in leather to make it firm. Though the King Dutugemunu did a large amount of work, but could not complete the work, as the king was stung by a cobra, being very serious, before his death he wanted to complete the works of the Thupa. (Probably this could be a conspiracy.) Summoning his younger brother heir to the throne, Saddhatissa ordered him to complete the stupa hurriedly. Realizing the completion could not be done before the death of the king, covered the entire dome with white jacket made by seamstress and decorated with Art work, and placing an umbrella made of lime stone (the chatta) to crown the Thupa (Parasol) and informed the Thupa

13 work was completed. Then lying on a palanquin, the king was taken to the site, to show the Thupa. When the king beheld the splendid Maha Thupa, became glad at heart, and passed away at the same time looking at the Maha Thupa, according to the chronicles. After King Dutugemunu s death, his brother Saddhatissa was enthroned and he finished the work of the Maha Thupa. ( B.C) The retaining wall or the Hasthi Prakaraya Elephant wall is one of his splendid creations. The sand-court yard and the external wall around the Maha Thupa were done by King Kallatanaga. ( B.C) After wards many other successor King s had done several erectings, and renovations. The King Nissanka Malla, who reigned in Polonnaruwa, his Capital ( A.D), in his visit to Anuradhapura on a pilgrimage, had done a small replica of the Maha Thupa in lime-stone and had placed to the right side of the Thupa. Today what we see is the Maha Thupa reconstructed by Rev Naranvita Sumanasara Thero with the donators. The reconstruction work started in 1893 and finished in The above mentioned replica of the Thupa was very helpful at the time of reconstructions. The western frontispiece (Vahalkada) and the Elephant wall to the left side had been 17 left aside without reconstructing, to make it easy for the pilgrims and the tourists to understand the former position. As heard from the workers, who climb the Maha Thupa for white washing, annually, that the statues of the King Dutugemunu, found just below the brick spire, there is a possibility of having shade to prevent even from a heavy rain, under the armpit of the statue. At the same time between the spire and the square enclosure, so broad, even two lorries can pass each other. (6) Thuparamaya - Stupa and Monastery Complex. To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM Our Great Chronicle the Mahavamsa and Pujavaliya mention, at the third visit of the Buddha in Sri Lanka, our land got refreshed by trampling with his sacred feet. According to the chronicles, The Thuparamaya was first to be built, since the Buddhism was established here in Sri Lanka. Following the advices of Rev Mahinda Thera, this would have been built in the same year; King Devanampiyatissa was enthroned in B.C. It was built enshrining the Right UPPER JAW BONE relic in the shape of paddy heap (Dhanyakara) Due to the renovations done later occasions, that the shape is not visible now. The king had planted sapling of

14 22 important items only. Following this order would be easy for the tourists. (7) Twin Ponds To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM Proceeding from the innercity it is found to the Eastern end of Abhayagiri complex. It is considered to be a creation of the King Aggabodhi I ( AD) whatever the old name was, the word Twin had come on a later occasion. It gives a meaning in Tamil as two or couple. as such it is named as 'Twin' Ponds, Using one word for both ponds. Due to Vivid problems, discarding of Anuradhapura Kingdom, The buildings belonged to Anuradhapura civilization turned over to a wilderness. Anuradhapura being a wealthy city in Asia in the past became a Kingdom of the wild beasts. Only a few dwellings become villages. During the dry seasons the elephants coming down to quench their thirst, would have damaged the existed buildings, before they were damaged due to the natural reasons. The archaelogical Department has restored methodically in This must have been built for the bathing purposes for the resident monks of the Abhayagiri Viharaya. In addition to the bathing importance, its artistic quality and the creative technology is of very high quality and interesting. The supply of water to the ponds flows through underground drainage system. To the left side of

15 23 Twin Ponds(before restoration) the northern end of the pond, the drainage system can be seen. The water is thrice purified and flows in to the pond. The polluted water drains out from a point at the bottom of the small pond. The steps of the stairway leads to in to the pond are very well levelled and joined together. It is an excellent creation without using a single drop of plaster stone being our ancient symbol of Irrigatory system fixced here, is a marvelous creation. (8)The Samadhi Buddha Statue To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM About 80m. from the Twin ponds, towards the West, this sacred Statue can be seen. The creator of this too, unknown. This is fixed in one of the four Bodhigharas belonged to Abhayagiriya Viharaya. According to the Creative symptoms, it is considered that this colossal statue belongs to 3-4AD centuries and it is accepted the most distinguished statue in Sri Lanka. It is considered as one of the greatest pieces of sculptural Art of early period. When this statue was found in 1886, its nose was broken and later it was restored. But the restoration has harmed its original artistic quality. In the chronicles there are so many instances mentioning about the stone statues, but we cannot dare say that they refer to this statue. A golden patch is seen just behind the right arm pit which proves that it had been painted in gold colour. The hollow

16 24 Samadhi Buddha Statue-before restoration carved eyes were formally inset with gem or diamond, according to the archaelogists. The chronicles mention the King Buddhadasa AD had inset the hollow carved eyes with gems. There was a very big competition between the two sects, Maha Viharaya and Abhayagiriya parties in the past to win the minds and attract the attention of the kings and the pious Buddhists. As the other religions to propagate Buddhism or attract the attention, they never used the power of the swords. But in this competition, that was to be in front, the Abhayagiri monks, used powerful stratagies, From ancient past, symbolizing their prophet, The Dharma Chakraya (The wheel of Dharma) Bodhiya Holy Sripada (carved foot prints) the Buddhists pay homage. All that was done with full respect for this prophet. But because of the introduction of new faiths by the Abhayagiri monks, the real essence of Buddhist Doctrine disapproved and came up as in a shape of a faith, for this different beliefs, faiths were introduced instead, strategically, they introduced same Hindu Gods in the guise of fulfilling and safeguarding the needs of ordinary people, the kings, and the Buddhism. In addition they inculcated the ideas that they could seek their salvation by Buddha pooja (Offering to Buddha) Bodhi pooja and

17 with warm water. Grinding stones used during the past also had been discovered. There had been trenches to drain out the impure water. (9) Abhaya Giriya Dagaba To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM This was built by the King Walagambahu (89-77) during his second regime of reigning, along with a monastery. During his first regime there was an Indian Invasion. Loosing the war, as the king was passing this place, while running for safety and to reorganize himself that time there was a hermitage built by the king for the Nighanta (naked hermits) ( ) ascetic named 'Giri' who was 26 living in it shouted loudly' Mahakalu Sinhalaya Penayayi' The Big Black Sinhalaya running as an insult to him. The King ran away, keeping the said words in mind. At the time of his reorganizing a monk named Mahatissa helped him a lot to capture power again. Under going so many difficulties for about 14 years he reorganized himself and again came to power. At the time of kings running after loosing, for the insult done by the Nighantaya he demolished his hermitage and offered to the monk who helped when he was in difficulty. Saying that it is not suitable for a monk to accept anything, alone, the monk was chased out. By the Maha Vihara Abhaya Giriya Dagaba-before restoration

18 27 monks having antagonized a pupil of the monk Maha Tissa, along with some other monks leaving the Maha viharaya crossed over to Abhayagiri Viharaya and supported Maha Tissa Thero. For the first time in the History of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the differences of opinions arose. Though Maha Vihara residents accused this crowd saying they have broken disciplinery laws of the Buddhism It was rejected by them. Within a short period some monks came to Sri Lanka from India made and this as their residence. Their teachings were completely different with that of Maha Viharaya. as a result there was a big competition to attract the attention of the kings, the chiefs, and the pious Buddhiststotheir side, More over leaving aside the real essence of Buddhapooja, Pansakulaya alias at the death of a person holding the religious activities in a grand manner, offering 'Dana' and transferring merits to the dead person, chanting, medical treatments the difficulty in reaching Nibbana and preaching in a deformed manner, so that they could be converted to their side. In addition the concept of Maithree Bodhisathva inculcating among the people and misleading them until he attains the Buddhahood, to give alms doing meritorious things, and to make his future bright, make offerings and to attract the attention doing different beautiful thing and became the pioneers of carving Buddha statues, ultimately, they could win the kings and the inhabitant s attraction. Though the Abhayagiri monks and the Mahavihara monks preached the Buddhist doctrine, there were differences in them. Both parties accused each other saying. Heathenists as a result the kings too were in a mess, turning that side and again other side, one in a way impartial and some times, supporting both sides. The resident monk of the Maha Viharaya never followed an attitude of taking revenge at any time. The king Walagamba was known as Watta Gamini Abhaya too. Because of that joining the part of his name 'Abhaya and that ascetic's name Giri that Dageba, was named as Abhayagiri 'Giri' means a rock according to archaeologists, the hill which was here encroached and built this Dageba, and hence it was known as Abhayagiri. To the south west of the Dageba and to the west of 'Ath Pokuna' (Elephant Pond) the ruins of a small stupa built enchroaching such a rock could be seen. It is treated as it belonged to the last part of the Anuradhapura regime. King Gajabahu ( A.D) made this Dageba bigger than what it was. King Voharikatissa ( A.D) fixed a (Chathra) an umbrella (instead of the pinnacle seen presently) King

19 among the common people it is difficult to find the facts about it. There is a possibility of that it can be the very same cross which was in the Persian Nestorian Church in Anuradhapura in 4th century A.D. However it is difficult to predict without an archaeological survey. At the moment it is placed in Anuradhapura museum. (10) Dhakkhina Thupa. In 137 B.C. King Saddhatissa erected a small monument where the King Dutugemunu was cremated placing the ashes belong to him. Later this monument was enlarged and developed by King Walagamba s minister Uttiya. As this was erected to the south of Maha Vihara it was named as Dhakkhina Thupa. But earlier it was known by the name Tisa Maha Chetiya. It was confirmed after finding of an inscription belong to 2, 3 centuries (A.D.). At the same time there were some monks belong to a separate Buddhist Chapter by the name Sagalika and they were of different opinions opposed to the other Buddhist Chapter but presently none of them to be found. (11) Isurumuni Viharaya (Meghagiri Viharaya) To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM This is found to the south of Sri Maha Bodhiya within a distance 44 of 1 K.m. Though it is known as Isurumuniya Viharaya its actual name is Meghagiri Viharaya. The real Isurumuniya is situated to the south, within a distance of about 500 M. in the place presently mention who created the place presently known by the name Wessagiriya nobody can definetly mention,who created the Meghagiri Viharaya. But the archaeologists guess it would have been done by the king Keerthi Sri Meghawarna ( A.D). A person with an archaeological mind enters this place will get upset and feel sorry seeing the damage caused to the ruins with an archaeological value. Out of the Panchavasas belonged to an ancient monastery leaving two out of them, all the others had been broken, and had used as raw-materials for the recently built, buildings. Sometimes they have been used to prepare the steps in the stairways without any archaeological knowledge the world famous stone slab containing the carvings of ' Lovers at Isurumuniya' presently placed in the Museum, was fixed to the wall of the shrine which shows their ignorance. But luckily Professor Paranavithana seeing this had removed from there and restored and placed in the Museum. Had they placed the front side of it on to the wall, even up to now one would have seen it and it would have been a secret to

20 45 Meghagiri Viharaya-before reconstructions Ranmasu Uyana

21 51 for their day necessities, or it could be the beginning of Shepherd life. Some of them have been drawn in many occasions and of different topics. At the time of bringing of Sri Lanka in (B.C) the Nun Sangamittha along with King Devanampiyatissa had built a monastery here. Two statues of the Buddha in reclining and seated postures, carved out of stone, a stupa and a natural Pond are found in this sacred place. Mihintale To :- DD MMYYYY TIMEAM/PM Anybody can reach Mihintale, going about 12kms from Anuradhapura, along Horowpathana road. When going there you must choose either early morning or else evening, to avoid burning from the bright sunshine, so that your tour wourld be a satisfied one. Due to Rev. Thera Mahinda's arrival from Dambadiwa with Buddhism in BC. Spending the first retreat (Wassana Kala or Rainy Period) and selecting to reside here for a long period. hence it is known as Mihintale, is the opinion of the scholars. It becomes important so much, because of the ruins find there with an artistic and archaelogical importance and also there are so many rock inscriptions as well. To make it easy, for the tourists while going on observing the ruins and to see them comfortably I am laying down the items in order.

22 52 (1) Ancient Hospital Based on Mihintale monastery, which was started in B.C. the monks and residents of Mihintale sacred city, would have felt the need of a Hospital, King Buddhadasa, a veteran physician had appointed a chief physician to every group consist of 10 villages and for their maintenance, ordered to separate 1/20 (5%) of the paddy harvest, according to the chronicles. Moreover he started medical colleges and had given them - Medical education too (M.V-37, ) According to the reports of Chinese pilgrim Fa-Thsien, who came to Sri Lanka in 5 A.D, there had been 2000 monks in Mihintale alone; Similarly for the people worked and the residents of the adjoining villages too would have had a Hospital. Referring into the history of this ancient Hospital had been built by King Sena II in AD (M.V. 51,73) There after too this Hospital had been restored by different kings, and for its maintenance they had donated land grants and paddy fields according to chronicles. This was consisted of 27 rooms for the residential patients, a room for medicinal bathing, a room for applying oil, a room for medicinal boat, 3 rooms for the physicians, a separate section for outdoor patients. There are some more unidentified rooms, probably they could be stores and rooms for medicines. There are no evidences to prove there were surgeries implemented. But comparing with other evidences there could have been surgeries too. In the excavations done by the archaeologists they have found blue coloured two vessels and special clay vessel, which prove there had been foreign affiliations. Stairway was exected by the king Maha Dathika Mahanaga in 9-21 A.D. (M.V. 34,78) This stairway consist of variegated 1840 steps make the tourist coming here to climb easily. The stairway scattered all over the row of mountains is a wonderful cxeation even now. (2) Kantaka Chetiya (Stupaya) Built by king Devanampiyathissa in ( BC) M.V. 20,18) later so many other kings too had renovated adding vivid things. This is one of the initial Buddhist monuments. The circumference of this structure is about 145 metres and 13 metres in height though it is damaged to a certain extent. Out of the four vahalkadas (Frontis pieces) elaborately sculptured with dwarfs in different actions and animals. Two are well preserved and for those who do research about our history, they are of immense importance.

23 Ancient 68 Caves for meditation These caves prepared by king Devanampiyathissa as dwellings for monks headed by Mahinda Thera B.C (M.V 16,13). The documents available, here too confirms the same. The inscriptions engraved above the drip edges of these caves tell us that they were given to all the monks of the four quarters including those absent on the occasion of offering. In every cave the builders name and the designation is found in the inscriptions. (3) Sinha Pokuna (The Lion Pond) The creator of this is not known. Though it is a called a pond, it is more a water fail than a pond. It is an open air bath, which was probably used by the monks who were living in caves. It is called a pond because of the water tank above the figure of the standing Lion from whose mouth the water comes out. This is found in a place where there is no rain for the whole year there would have been a system of controlling the water. The Naga Pokuna (cobra pond) which is supplying the water to this probably would have been built by king Aggabobhi I ( AD) who had done marvelous work considering his efficiency in irrigation work is a very simple one. (4) Dana Salawa (Alms Hall) 53 Here too there is no definite decision regarding the creator, Though it is so considering the architectural symptoms their opinion is that is belongs to B.C. Periods. That is because of the Similarity in building of the Anuradhapura Maha Vihara alms Hall and the Abhayagiriya Alms Hall. Considering the courtyard kitchen, Stores and an Alms Hall with rice- boat, Kenda Oruwa (Gruel boat) Conduit, and stone planks used for keeping the bowls are of importance. There would have been a large number of works as there were about 2000 monks, according to a inscription, the Number of workers employed in Alms Hall and the Kitchen were 200 and had mentioned about the chiefs also. (5) Sannipatha Salawa (Assembly Hall) Here too no decision heard about the founder of this too. As this building is also an important one, would have been built at the initial period of this holy monastery. This Hall, where the monks of the monastery met to discuss matters pertaining to the rules of discipline and administration, religious functions according to the historians. The elevated stone seat found in the middle of the hall, was meant for the most senior monk.

24 62 and monuments. But yet there are number of places of importance. Out of them, Idikatuseya, Ethvehera Kanda, Rajagirilena Kanda (Royal Rock cave Hill) are also important place. Ritigala. From Dambulla along the Anuradhapura road about 15 km towards east and along Trincomalee Polonnaruwa road from Habarana about 12.5 km towards North West we come across Ritigala the tallest range of mountains ( m). Though at the beginning (in B.C.), King Sura Tissa built a monastery, we have a heredity of more than 200 years. According to written history in 380 B.C. this was a fortress of the natives who were Yakkas under the leadership of Prince Pandukabhaya. Though there are archaeological proofs it extends up to a Pre-Historic era pertaining to Rama-Ravana legend which happened about 7000 years ago. After King Sura Tissa some more Kings had built so many but the biggest amount of erections had been done by the King Sena 1 ( A.D.) still there are so many places with archaeological values not restored yet and about 250 such places can be seen. Out of them only a few have been identified. This place is very important as a garden and also as a strict Natural Reserve. We can find so many medicinal plants here and about 179 such plants have been identified. A person who loves the nature and the environment this is an ideal place for him to appreciate the beauty of the wild beasts as well as the variety of birds among them are the Elephants, spotted Deers, Stags, Leopards Red Monkeys, wild fowls, spur fools and Grate Hornbills are very important. The Ancient Irrigation Civilization of Sri Lanka As related in our chronicles, the first reservoir had been built by the minister Anuradha of the king of Vijaya ( B.C) yet that reservoir had not been identified. Out of the ancient reservoirs, as mentioned in the chronicles, so far identified only Abhayawewa, which is close to the Ruwanweli seya. But, when studying deeply, the archaelogical and other facts, it is clear that the Irrigation Civilization goes back, passing that period. According to the facts found at the excavations of Salgahauyana in the ancient city of Anuradhapura in 8-9 B.C, there had been canals and sluices built of bricks and had been used water, controlled as they wished. Similarly, according to the chronicles, when the Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time in 5 B.C, had visited Dheegavapi (Reservoir ) R.L Brohier a specialist

25 in Sri Lankan Irrigation civilization, mentions that the reservoir Panda in Panduwasnuwara in the Kurunegala District and the Deegavapi in Ampara Districtare the oldest reservoirs, and the creators of them were not known. These are fairly big irrigation works. But no evidences can be found about the irrigation civilization, started in a minor scale. The majority of oldest human settlements in Sri Lanka were in between Mannar and Kelaniya in the Western coast. As it is, most of the natural lakes found near the Vilpatthuwa, can be treated as the model of Irrigation of our fore fathers. Seeing the way how the water flows from lake to lake, would have made a model, imitating the same and artificially and also would have realized that the same system could be utilized for agriculture and other requirements as well. At the initial time, those, irrigated systems, would have used to store water some months for their use. In course of time, would have improved broadening and extending in height, so that they could store water for the whole year. Thus the irrigation civilization started in a small scale, as it developed gradually in the 4th century and got the state sponsorship, according to the chronicles and inscriptions. At the timeof 1stcentury B.C, almostinevery inhabited village in Anuradhapura kingdom, it was a common feature 63 in building a reservoir for paddy cultivation. Out of them, majority were owned by private proprietors, according to inscriptions. 1, It is a difficult task to make the readers keep informed by a small letter like this about the ownership and state sponsorship of Irrigation system. For the first time in the world history king Kutakannatissa in (41-19 B.C) building a dam across a river, and got water through a canal for his use. According to specialists in Irrigation, it had been built close to Mihintale, but not yet been identified. Scholars say so, could be due to a mistake and entanglement of a word at the time of translation of the chronicles. But when deeply studying the facts, the dam built across the Malwathuoya close to Anuradhapura ancient City and the Warnaka the Mahamevu canal are not two, but one. This canal is known by the name "Halpanu ela". The chronicles reveal that the king increased the height of city wall up to seven (7) cubits and re-enforced security of the city. Though the moat surrounding the city wall had been filled with soils and sediments, even now water flows close to the canal. Any creation of the world, is built first of all to the kings as well as chiefs. As such there is no doubt, that the large quantity of water flowed through Malwathu oya had used for the protection of the city. The ruins of the

26 64 old dam built across the Malwathu oya, can be seen even now, and the new dam also had been built exactly similar to the height of the old one. Now a days this place is known as ancieut close to "Isurupura". 2, As that canal runs through Mahamewna park belonged to the Maha Viharaya or Sri Maha Bodhiya in ancient times, had named as Warnaka, the Mahameuna canal by the authors of chronicles. Similarly, the canals built after words in other places, on many occasions named as Mahamevu canal along with another name, which proves that again. 3, On a later occasion, along the canal, in the site to the east of Maha Viharaya, when building the Jethavana Viharaya Complex, by the king Mahasen ( A.D) had made a big quarrel (Refer to the article about the Jethavana Viharaya) Sometimes, he would have thought that the demarcation of the land ending by the canal. As such he would have started building the Jethavana complex without consulting them. Though that led to an internal revolt inside the country, the king retreating a several steps and settled the revolt but he never gave up building the Jethavana Vihara complex. Probably it might have been, due to the belief that he had, there was no ownership of the land to the Maha Viharaya. Because of that it is obvious that the canal had been built at that time too. After wards during the time of king Vasabha ( A.D) the greatest achievement of Sri Lanka Irrigation Technology, the "Bisokotuwa" (Cistern Sluice) was created. By which they could send out water controlling, to the wanted extent, without damaging the dam by the large capacity of water. Certain archaelogists think even in the 1-2 B.C, centuries there had been this Technology in primitive stage. Along with the invention of this technology Sri Lankan Irrigation, engineers started building very big reservoirs without any fear. The pioneer initiator of building huge reservoirs was the king Vasabha. He had built 11 huge reservoirs and 12 canals by building dams across the rivers. The modern surveying specialists to accept and had expressed their surprise, about the knowledge that the ancient Irrigation Engineers had in surveying and leveling. Now a days that we are under pretext that there is a developed Technology, but there are discarded canals for not being able to restore them would be a good example. When reminding about the ancient Irrigation systems, the services rendered by the Kings like Mahasen, ( A.D.) Dhuthusena, ( ) Aggabodhi I, ( ) Aggabodhi II, ( ) and the king Maha Parakramabahu,

27 the Sri Lankans have an enormous honour. Specially during the period of king Mahasen, the Irrigation system of bringing water from Matale up to Anuradhapura is wonderful. Even at the time of Christ was born, because ofthe Irrigation Civilization Sri Lankans had become magnificient nation, in agriculture and economically. The paddy farmers, cultivated paddy once a year or twice an year, and later due to cultivating thrice an year, the excess paddy was exported. The 1,2,3,4, 5 B.C, Centuries were outstanding in Irrigation civilization. Without any fear we can say that Sri Lankans were on top in the world, with regard to Irrigation Technology. 12th Century was the period of highest standard in Irrigation Technology in Sri Lanka. Due to the development in the Irrigation civilization, the zonal countries invaded our country as in competition to loot our development economy. Due to those invasions, our Irrigation system had to undergo severe damages. As strategies of war, to surround them as well as to harm the enemies by pumping water at them, broke huge reservoirs by the native and foreign troops. As a result, the ground Irrigation civilization of thousands of years old, was in a chaos, and as a result could not bring up to the original position for a period of more than 700 years. But in the recent years most of them had been restored again giving life to 65 the economic development in these restorations, the services rendered by the British Imperialists was inestimable. The beginning of the Buddha Statues in Sri Lanka, Evolution and Characteristics At the time of Buddha's attaining Buddahood (6 BC) there had been about 62 religions and faiths in India, as mentioned in Buddhist Literature. Even at present certain devotees follow religions like Hinduism, Jain and Nigantha. (Naked) As a result even at the time of Buddha's attainment, those devotees would have had used certain symbols, holy thing or images or else statues, according to their faiths. Along with the buddha's attaining Buddhahood, most of those devotees converted to Buddhism in a large scale. The basic factor is not the faith, but developing the mind spiritually and reach Nibbana or the eternal bliss of emancipation (Stopping the Rebirth) Though the people converted as Buddhists, due to the scientific charismatic doctrine, the people who had been following vivid faiths, claimed something for them to worship, at times, when Buddha was not in his temple. Then the chief devout follower of Buddha, the Rev. Ananada Thero, interfering into the matter and planting a Bo- Tree and had made arrangements

28 66 for them to worship, as mentioned in Buddhist Literature. As such it is clear, even at the time of Buddha's living too had the habit of worshipping, holy things symbolizing the Buddha. Along with the stabilizing Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 250 BC, the converted Buddhists, to get rid of their former false beliefs and faiths, Rev. Arahat Mahinda would have felt the necessity of a holy thing for them to worship. As a result, getting down the right collar bone and enshrining it had built the Thuparamaya. Afterwards a right-side branch of the Bo-tree which gave shelter to the Buddha at the time of his enlightenment, was planted here. Even at present, it is existing in the Maha Megha Garden respected by everybody, and it is more than 2250 years old now. According to the chronicles of Sri Lanka the foremost Buddha Statue had been erected by the King Devanampiyatissa ( BC). Afterwards at the time of building the Ruwanweliseya, the King Dutugemunu ( BC) too had placed some Buddha statues as mentioned in the chronicles. But some of the archaeologists are reluctant to accept that prediction at once. The opinion of the archaeologists is that the Buddhists of the initial stage would have had a fear in erecting Buddha Statues. That was due to the enormous honour they had towards the Buddha. Hence there are many facts to prove that the devotees, at the begining had been worshipping symbols like Bodhiya, "Stupaya", vajrasanaya (Buddha's Seat), The foot prints, Dhammachakka (the wheel of the Doctrine.) According to the archaeological proofs the opinion of the scholars is that the oldest stone artefacts are seen in the frontispieces in Kantakachetiya in Mihintale. Through those frontispieces had been built by the king Devanampiyathissa during the time of king Lanjatissa, they had undergone restorations ( BC) Considering the architectural features, the opinion of the arehaelogists is that they belong to that period as we find the carved figures of Lions, Bulls, Elephants, Horses, Peacoks, Cobras and Gods. Can be considered as that they were inter-connected with their Social beliefs and faiths. According to the inscriptional proofs, the oldest proofs are also found in Mihintale. That is from the rock inscription of the king Maha Dathika Maha Naga (09-21AD) found just below the Cela Chetiya. But here nothing have been mentioned about the Buddha Statues. Instead have mentioned about the creating of the statues of Rev. Arahat Mahinda, and the Bhikkhus like Ittiya, Uttiya, Samabala