This is the place where the mythical Pulasthi Rishi was said to have lived and where the mythical King Ravana was believed to have been born. The temple was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC), who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 children of high caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside. King Kasyapa I (473–491 AD) later renovated this viharaya and named it "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera". This name is derived from the names of his two daughters and himself. There is a viharaya connected to a cave, above which is a cliff with a small stupa built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belongs to the present period. Lower down, on both sides of a cleft in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, figures of elephants have been carved. On the rock, the figure of a horse is also carved. The carving of Isurumuniya Lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed there. A few yards away from this vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana.
Isurumuni Lovers
Isurumuniya Lovers depicts Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu, and Asokamala, a maiden of a lower caste, whom he loved.
Royal Family Carving
The Royal Family carving is engraved on a granite slab and features five human figures.
Elephant Pond Carving
There are four elephants in this carving, shown bathing. The elephant figures here are very similar to those found in Mamallapuram in India.
