Abhayagiri Vihara — Ancient Monastery of Anuradhapura

Rising above the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri Vihara stands as one of the most remarkable monuments of Sri Lanka's early Buddhist civilisation. The stupa is the second tallest in Anuradhapura, a fact that speaks to the extraordinary scale of ambition that once defined this royal capital.

The Abhayagiri monastery, which encompasses the great stupa, was built by King Vatta Gamani Abhaya, who reigned in 103 B.C. and again from 89 to 77 B.C. What began as a royal act of devotion grew into a vast monastic complex that would draw pilgrims and scholars from across the Buddhist world for centuries to come.

A Footprint of the Buddha

Among the most compelling traditions associated with Abhayagiri is the belief recorded by the Chinese Buddhist scholar-monk Fa Hsien, who noted that the stupa was built over a footprint of the Buddha. As with many such accounts, this is held according to tradition rather than verified record, yet it remains central to the spiritual significance the site carries for Buddhist devotees to this day.

A Place of Enduring Reverence

The scale and craftsmanship of Abhayagiri Vihara reflect the depth of royal patronage and religious fervour that shaped ancient Anuradhapura. The monastery complex was not merely a place of worship but a living centre of learning and monastic life. Its great stupa, visible from considerable distances across the surrounding plain, continues to draw visitors who come both to appreciate its architectural grandeur and to pay their respects at one of Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist sites.