Category: Anuradhapura

Ran Masu Uyana

Ran Masu Uyana

Ran Masu Uyana, is a ancient pleasure garden adjoining Isurumuniya. This is often missed by people visiting Isrumuniya Rock as it is not very well known and the path to it is not clear marked. One must cross the car park to the right of Mihintale main entrance to cross a small stream to enter the garden. This has some very intricate carvings of elephants at play and pools in ancient times would have been equivalent to the luxurious Spas of today. Its a good example of Sri Lankan garden architecture. According to a carving at Vessagiriya, the water for the Ran Masu Uyana was supplied from the Tissa Wewa.

Incidently, this park is also home to the “Stargate” Carving. It is found carved into the rare of a boulder in the garden. Hence its not easy to find, ask one of the workers there and they would be happy to show it to you.

Vessagiriya Cave Complex

Vessagiriya Cave Complex

Vessagiriya is thought to be one of the oldest Cave complexes in the country. By some accounts dating back to Ravana’s father. It is believed that King Vallagamba, fleeing anuradhapura initially had in this complex according to the Mahavamda.The current name of Vessagiriya comes from the fact that this cave complex was handed over to a group of traders turned monks. The Cave complex was expanded to include building for monks, the ruins of which still can be seen. The placement of the stones causes one to wonder whether this is a natural phenomenon. Most rocks are balanced in a manner which seems to defy gravity. The lettering on the drip ledges tells of who donated the caves to the monks. The apparent panels on the face of the rock is called a “Len Dora” of Cave Door. The thinking is that these are magical doors sealed enclosing treasures.

Kaludiya Pokuna – Mihintale

Kaludiya Pokuna – Mihintale

This well planned cave dewelling complex lies in the slopes of Mihintale. Kalu Diya literally means ‘black water’ a name derived from the shadow cast by the surrounding trees and boulders on the water making it appear black. The caves are well structured as living quarters with sleeping areas and sitting areas along with stone seats. The stone seats atop of rocks could have been used to preach to large gathering of monks or simply to meditate in the soothing breeze blowing across the pond.