Abhayagiri vihāra, Buddhist monastic complex in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Abhayagiri is a sprawling Buddhist monastic complex in Anuradhapura with ancient stupas, monasteries, carved stone structures, and ceremonial buildings from multiple periods. The site includes twin ponds with decorative steps, several meditation halls, and residential quarters where monks once lived.

King Vaṭṭagāmaṇi Abhaya founded Abhayagiri in 89 BC, after a Jain monk named Giri mocked him as he fled Anuradhapura. The king vowed to build a vihara on the site of Giri's monastery if he regained the throne. After defeating the Tamil king Bhatiya, he fulfilled the vow and appointed Mahatissa Thera as chief incumbent. The monastery later became a major center of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

The monastery served as an international center for Buddhist education and attracted monks from many lands. Different Buddhist traditions and teachings came together here, making it a place where scholars and practitioners from afar could study and exchange ideas.

Visitors can explore the expansive archaeological site and should be prepared for uneven ground with ancient structures scattered throughout. Sturdy footwear and plenty of time are recommended for walking around the different areas and buildings.

The Chinese pilgrim Faxian, who stayed at Abhayagiri for two years in the early 5th century, recorded that the stupa rose about 400 feet (roughly 120 metres) and stood on a site where the Buddha was believed to have left a footprint. The stupa was restored by the Central Cultural Fund and unveiled in June 2015.