🌳 Anuradhapura Sacred City
Sri Lanka
About This Sacred Site
Anuradhapura was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, a thriving Buddhist city from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The sacred city contains some of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, including the Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, making it the oldest known tree planted by humans (planted in 288 BCE). The ruins include massive dagobas (stupas), ancient monasteries, and intricately carved moonstones. At its height, Anuradhapura was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
Spiritual Significance
The sacred city has been a pilgrimage center since the planting of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in 288 BCE, considered the oldest documented human-planted tree, symbolizing the direct lineage to the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Buddhists perform daily circumambulation (pradakshina) around this tree, reflecting Theravada practices rooted in early texts like the Mahavamsa chronicle. The city served as Sri Lanka's capital for over 1,400 years, during which numerous stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya were constructed to house sacred relics, making it a major relic worship site. Rituals include puja offerings, meditation sessions in the Abhayagiri monastic complex, and the annual Poson festival commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda Thera. The site remains a focus for devotees pursuing merit accumulation through acts of dana (generosity) and observing vinaya discipline, echoing the monastic codes established during King Devanampiya Tissa's reign.
Key Facts
- •The Sri Maha Bodhi, planted in 288 BCE, is the world's oldest documented tree planted by humans
- •Capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,400 years from the 4th century BCE
- •Contains some of the largest brick structures in the ancient world (dagobas)
- •The Ruwanwelisaya stupa, built in 140 BCE, stands 55 meters tall
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982
Location
Coordinates: 8.3114, 80.3942
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Anuradhapura Sacred City associated with?▾
Anuradhapura Sacred City is a Buddhism holy site located in Sri Lanka. It was established c. 4th century BCE and is ranked #68 in our global directory of sacred sites.
When was Anuradhapura Sacred City established?▾
Anuradhapura Sacred City dates back to c. 4th century BCE. The Sri Maha Bodhi, planted in 288 BCE, is the world's oldest documented tree planted by humans
How many people visit Anuradhapura Sacred City each year?▾
Anuradhapura Sacred City receives approximately 1+ million visitors per year. Capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,400 years from the 4th century BCE
What is Anuradhapura Sacred City known for?▾
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, home to the world's oldest known tree planted by humans. Visitors come seeking pilgrimage, spiritual enlightenment, meditation, blessings. Contains some of the largest brick structures in the ancient world (dagobas)
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