Isurumuniya, Buddhist temple near Tissa Wewa, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Isurumuniya is an ancient Buddhist temple with cave structures set against a rock face in Anuradhapura. The site contains several relief carvings and a small stupa decorated with various stone sculptures.
The temple was founded between 307 and 267 BC by King Devanampiya Tissa and was originally known as Meghagiri Vihara. It was built to house 500 high-caste children who became monks.
The famous Isurumuniya Lovers carving shows two intimate figures linked to Prince Saliya and Asokamala. The work is a rare example of human relationships carved into ancient stone.
Visitors can reach all major carvings including the Elephant Pond, Royal Family scene, and Man with Horse sculpture through marked pathways. The site is generally accessible, though some rocky areas require careful footing.
The site displays a carving showing four elephants bathing, dating from the 7th century, with artistic influences from Mamallapuram in India. This southern artistic style is rarely seen in such early works from Anuradhapura.
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