The Abhayagiri Dagaba, Anuradhapura features an impressive site for ancient ruins. It is a notable place for Buddhist pilgrimage. It was the regal capital in earlier days and tourists can get to see some of the majestic monasteries with bronze roofs or roofs made of brightly-colored clay tiles. The Abhayagiri Dagaba, Anuradhapura is the largest of the most prominent viharas.
Located in the northern part of the city of Anuradhapura, The Abhayagiri Dagaba in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka accounts for one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Anuradhapura. It is enclosed within huge walls and includes engraved banisters, sprawling ponds for bathing and richly adorned moonstones.
The Abhayagiri Dagaba, Anuradhapura features cloistered buildings and was considered a place for Buddhist Sangha. Established in the second century B.C. it gradually became an international center for Buddhist preaching. It was a fundament of the Northern Monastery and several scholars used to visit this place.
According to the historical records, it was constructed during the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya. Earlier, the place was at stake in the hands of few foreign invaders. This structure was actually built in the honor of the king's restoration of his lost kingdom. It thus signifies the freedom of the land from Jainism and Tamil Brahmin rulers.
The planning and design of The Abhayagiri Dagaba, Anuradhapura indicates the grand art and architecture of the land. On the base of the steps rising to a building, two slabs can be seen on both sides. These are known as 'guard stones'. Several symbols reflecting Hindu religion are carved on these stones. The image of Nagaraja or the King Cobra and the Pot of Abundance and Kalpavrksa are the notable figures seen on such stones. However, the most astounding guard stone was to be seen at Ratnaprasada in Abhayagiriya. The images of punkalas and lotuses symbolize plentitude. Another noticeable image is that of the elephant found at the Eth Pokuna. It is indicative of water.
The guard stones also feature images of animal vehicles of certain gods. This symbolizes the major guardian divinities of Buddhism. While entering the Abhayagiri Stupa, one can marvel at the amazing statues built on both sides. The covering of the head of one of the statues resemble a conch, while that of the other, a lotus. Both of these embody the two treasure stores of Kuvera - Padma and Sanka. According to popular religious beliefs, those two statues were constructed to keep evil spirits away from the stupa.
At the base of the steps rising up to the Mahasena Palace or the Pancavasa, is an exquisite example of the carvers in Sri Lanka. This is done in moonstone. Another marvelous carving of moonstone can be noticed near the Queen's Pavilion. It is said that moonstone embodies samsara - the continuous cycle of rebirth and the way to freedom and then finally attaining nirvana or enlightenment.
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