Abhayagiri Monastery
North Central Province
About Abhayagiri Monastery
Abhayagiri was one of the intellectual powerhouses of the ancient Buddhist world: a monastery-city founded by King Vattagamini Abhaya in 88 BC that grew to house five thousand monks, welcomed schools of thought the orthodox establishment rejected, and drew scholars from across Asia - the Chinese pilgrim Faxian lived and studied here in the 5th century, leaving a precious eyewitness account. Its restored brick stupa, originally around 115 metres, was among the tallest structures on Earth. But Abhayagiri rewards wandering beyond the dome: scattered through its shady square miles are the exquisite Samadhi Buddha, the Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds, the island's finest carved moonstone, refectories with stone rice-boats, and forest paths where ruins surface like reefs. Give it a slow bicycle morning - it is the deepest immersion Anuradhapura offers.
Top Activities
- ✓The great stupa and monastery grounds
- ✓The famous Abhayagiri moonstone
- ✓Samadhi Buddha and Kuttam Pokuna nearby
- ✓Bicycle exploration of the forest ruins
- ✓Abhayagiri museum
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
A bicycle is the right vehicle - the complex is vast and shady.
Don't miss the moonstone pavilion west of the stupa.
The small museum explains the monastery's radical intellectual history.
Quick Info
Best Time
May to September; early morning
Weather
Hot and dry; the monastery's trees give merciful shade.
Estimated Daily Budget
8.3597°N, 80.3958°E
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