Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya temple

Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tisawewa (Tisa tank).

History

The temple was built by King Devanampiyatissa who ruled in the ancient Sri Lanka capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) renovated this viharaya and named it as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera". This name is derived from names of his 2 daughters and his name. There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belong to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this vihara is the Magul Uyana.

Archaeological ruins

Isurumuni Lovers

6th Century Gupta style carving. The woman, seated on the man's lap, lifts a warning finger, probably as a manifestation of her coyness; but the man carries on regardless. The figures may represent Dutugemunu's son Saliya and the law caste (Sadol Kula) maiden Asokamala whom he loved. It's known that he gave up the throne for her.

Here is a picture donated by RB Marasinghe http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3844/121/24/1065729362/s1065729362_443240_3594493.jpg

See also

• Ancient Constructions of Sri Lanka
• Atamasthana
• Buddhism
• Mahawamsa

External links

• Discover Sri Lanka - More information & images about Isurumuniya Temple
• This page incorporates content from Dr. Rohan Hettiarachchi's [1] used with permission of website owner.
• Here is a picture of Isurumuni Lovers donated by RB Marasinghe http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3844/121/24/1065729362/s1065729362_443240_3594493.jpg