Isurumuniya () is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.
History
The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is presently identified as the Isurumuni Vihara.
It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) who ruled in the ancient
capital of
Anuradhapura.
[ After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside.]
Archaeological ruins
‘Siddha mahayaha kuni – maha (la) ka Asala yaha (di) ni’
Hail!
The above Brahmi inscription was inscribed at the original place where the Isurumuniya Lovers were originally sculptured and placed. It is a special one as a letter in this inscription is 3 inches x 4 inches in size. After donating Vessagiriya to Maha Sangha this sculpture would have been removed and placed at its present place. The Lovers in the sculptured plaque are King Kuvera Vaisrawana and his Queen Kuni. Ramayana states that Vaisrawana who lived in Vessagiriya ruled Sri Lanka from Lankapura before Rawana.[ Sri Lanka Rawana Rajadhaniya, by Sri Harsha Indrasena, Appendix 3]
Royal Family Carving
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Place: Isurumuniya Viharaya
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Century: 8th century A.D
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Period: Anuradhapura Period
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Tradition: Guptha Kala (mystic)
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Medium: Granite
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Method: low relief " Ardha Unnata"
The Royal Family carving is carved on a Granite plate.There are five human figures carved on this plate. The human figure in the center is King Dutugamunu, who has a tall crown on his head and a " puna noola" around his chest. At his left are another two human figures. They are fanning him with a " Wijinipath"
Elephant Pond Carving
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Place: Isurumuniya Rock
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Century: 7th century A.D
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Period: Anuradhapura Period
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Tradition: Pallawa
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Medium: Granite
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Method: low relief " Ardha Unnata"
There are four elephants in this carving. It shows them bathing. The elephant figures here are very similar to the elephant figures in " Mamallapuram" In India.
See also
External links
