Regarded as one of the most important sites of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, The Abhayagiri Vihara is a massive monastic site that boasts greats historic, cultural and religious significance. During the Anuradhapura era, the site served as a major religious hub that spread the teachings of Buddhism enlightening people of its ways and practises. The Monastery, being the largest of the five major pilgrimage sites of Anuradhapura has been receiving devotees from all over the globe since many aeons (from 2nd century BC).
Magnificently protruding from the flatlands of the ancient city, the most obvious and enticing aspect of the monastery is its Dagoba. During the golden days of the Anuradhapura kingdom, the dagoba has stood at a height of 115 meters which during that time, was the fourth tallest structures of the ancient world.
Historic evidence and the ancient chronicles of Mahawansa state that the dagoba was constructed by King Walagamba during 89BC – 77BC and it stood tall for several hundred years projecting spiritual aura within and around its surrounding. It also served as the first site which had the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha for public display. Unfortunately, after the conquest of the Cholas from south India, the Anuradhapura kingdom fell, and the city and this ancient site were abandoned due to the destructions of the war.
Only after eight gruelling centuries after the site endured so much of damage from vandalism, treasure hunts and destructions from time itself was redeemed. This happened as the scholars who visited the nation during the colonial period started showing interest towards the site and a dedicated department was established to conserve and protect the magnificent sites during British Rule. Since then, several efforts were made to restore the site to its former glory. Being recognised as a world heritage site UNESCO had also offered fundings for the renovation. In the year 2015, the newly renovated site was unveiled to the public.
Today, thousands of devotees and tourists visit the site to witness its ingenious architecture and its cultural significance. The site boasts a surreal ambience and a visit to Abhyagiri will also instil a profound sense of peace within your minds – this makes the site certainly worth paying a visit.
