The ancient kingdom Anuradhapura,

a city of World Heritage Site, is located in the north central province ,on the banks of  Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of north central province and the capital of Anuradhapura district. Anyone who visit  Anuradhapura can see ruins of ancient temples and ruins of ancient Sinhalese Civilization. Anuradhapura was founded in 437 BC and has survived for 1500 years. The city was established by an Aryan prince named Anuradha, a minister of King Vijaya(543-505BC) who was the first Sinhalese king of the island. Anuradhapura is also the birthplace of sinhalese culture and it is a major budddhist pilgrimage site. The city was deserted after the invasion by a Chola king in 993AD. During the reign of king Dhathusena,18 new buddhist temples were built.

Places of worship at Anuradhapura

Most important sthupa in Anuradhapura is Ruwanwelisaya where two quarters of the relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined. Another is Thuparamaya sthupa ,constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa(247BC-207BC). One of the sacred tree in Anuradhapura is Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. It is Located in Mahmevna Gardens in Anuradhapura. Another ancient ruin is Lovamahapaya.which was constructed by King Dutugamunu. Abayagiri Vihara  is another most sacred budhist pilgrimage site in Anuradhapura,Sri lanka.This was an ancient buddhist monastry site. One of the huge ancient sthupa in Anuradhapura is Jethavanaramaya built by King mahsena. Another stupa created by King Dutugamunu Is Mirisawetiya. He built this to punish himself for not offering to Sanga, the chilly curry he had for his meals. There is a temple built by King Devanampiya Tissa(307-267Band C) which is famous for its stone carvings. It is Isurumuniya temple”. Isurumuniya Lovers is one of the famous carving”. “Man and  horse is another carving.”