Little bit about Isuruminiya Temple

Yet another temple with exceptional stone carvings to see. The Isurumuniya lovers, the Horseman, the Elephant Pond and the Royal Family are the most popular artifacts admired by many for their incomparable designing. This temple is situated next to the Tissa Wawa, very popular manmade reservoir. It was constructed during the period of King Devanampiya Tissa, who then governed the city of Anuradhapura. During his period, around 500 children who were of high caste were sent to be ordained, thus Isurumuniya was built as a complex to house them all. There is a large pond at the entrance to the temple with carvings of bathing elephants, and a man seated in a royal pose and a horse head. It is believed this was the place used by the king to perform ceremonies for the rain God.

Things to know before you go

• As in other Buddhist shrines, take off your shoes and hats before entering
• Do not turn your back to Buddha statues