MY SRI LANKA
However, the original Isurumuni Vihara is located a short distance away and is now referred to as Vessagiri Vihara. When this monastery was discovered, it was initially believed to be the Isurumuniya mentioned in ancient texts, despite the absence of any inscriptions. Subsequently, when archaeologists unearthed the actual Isurumuni Viharaya a few hundred meters away, which had inscriptions confirming its name, the name Isurumuniya had already been claimed, and the site came to be known as Vessagiriya.
The ancient Mahameghavana (park) houses the temple known as Meghagiri Viharaya, which served as the initial home of the Tooth Relic and was affiliated with the Abhayagiri Monastery. Despite this historical connection, D.T. Devendra, a respected Buddhist scholar, disputes the identification of the Meghagiri Viharaya mentioned in ancient texts with the present-day Isurumuni Viharaya.
This particular temple stands out significantly from the other temples in Anuradhapura Ancient city due to its massive stupas and stone pillars. Isurumuniya is said to have been constructed by King Devanampiyatissa around 300 BC. The temple is intricately carved into and encircles a natural rock formation near the Tissa Wewa. The king of Kalinga dispatched the Tooth Relic of Buddha to King Mahasena through Danthakumara and Hemamala. They arrived at the outskirts of Anuradhapura during the 9th year of King Sirimeghavanna's reign in 309 CE. Upon learning that King Mahasena had passed away 8 years prior, it was King Sirimeghavanna who received the Tooth Relic. Various historical texts such as Dhatuwamsa, Dalada Siritha, and Rajavaliya detail how the Tooth Relic was temporarily housed at Meghagiri Vihara.
Isurumuniya is renowned for its stone carving of a couple and the bas-relief figures etched into the rock. This particular carved stone was discovered in the royal pleasure garden and subsequently brought to its current location. Numerous interpretations have been offered for these intricate carvings. The most exceptional sculpture found at Isurumuniya is the Man and Horse, skillfully carved on the rock to the left of the staircase leading to the main temple hall. Esteemed authority Laurence Binyon has described this sculpture as "an awe-inspiring masterpiece that leaves an indelible impression once witnessed" (Paranavitana, 1953). Situated approximately 15 feet above the ground, this carving showcases intricate bas-relief work. The seated figure, slightly smaller than life-size, measures 2 feet 7 1/2 inches from the waist to the crown of the head. It is positioned within a shallow, arched cavity, with the chest almost seamlessly blending into the vertical plane of the rock. Contrary to being seated on a raised platform, the figure rests on the flattened ground. The left leg is extended forward, but bent at the knee, allowing the left foot to touch the right. The left arm extends vertically downwards, resembling a pillar emerging from the rounded shoulder, while the hand rests palm downwards on the floor.
Another theory suggests that this pair symbolizes the deities Siva and Parvathi in Hindu mythology.
The vihara possesses an additional stone slab that portrays a court scene believed to be the court of King Dutugemunu. These stone slabs are believed to have originated in the 8th century. According to Paranavithana, this scene depicts King Dutugemunu visiting his son's residence to reconcile the marriage of Asokamala. The young prince respectfully sits beside his father on the ground, while Asokamala remains inconspicuously positioned behind the queen. The vihara itself is constructed on a rock and originally housed the sacred tooth relic of Buddha when it arrived on the island from India in 312 CE. The stupa and Buddha image in this temple are relatively new. However, there are some caves that were likely used earlier but now serve as a sanctuary for bats.
