Anuradhapura Atamasthana Veneration
The Anuradhapura Atamasthana Pilgrimage is a deeply significant spiritual journey in Sri Lanka, centered around visiting the Atamasthana the eight sacred places in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. These sites are revered in Buddhism due to their association with the life of the Buddha and early Buddhist history in Sri Lanka.
The Atamasthana refers to the eight sacred sites that every devout Buddhist aspires to visit in their lifetime. They are:
1) Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
#.The sacred Bo tree, a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.
2) Ruwanwelisaya
#.A massive white stupa built by King Dutugemunu, considered one of the most venerated stupas in Sri Lanka.
3) Thuparamaya
#.The first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism, enshrining the right collarbone of the Buddha.
4) Lovamahapaya
#. Once a nine-story monastery with a bronze-tiled roof, located near Ruwanwelisaya.
5) Abhayagiriya Stupa
#.A monastic center and one of the tallest stupas of the ancient world, it was a hub for Buddhist scholarship.
6) Jetavanaramaya
#.Another colossal stupa built by King Mahasena, second only to the pyramids of Egypt in volume.
7) Mirisawetiya Stupa
#.Built by King Dutugemunu, it is said he forgot to offer a portion of food (miris = chili) to the monks, hence the name.
8) Lankarama Stupa
#.A lesser-known but equally sacred stupa built by King Valagamba, located near the Abhayagiriya monastery.
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