Thanthirimale

Thanthirimale is a temple built around a group of granite outcrops, with a large reclining Buddha and a seated figure carved directly into the rock, and prehistoric drawings on some of the surfaces. Tradition holds that the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi rested here on its journey from India to Anuradhapura in the third century BC, and a bo tree grown from it stands on the site. The rock surfaces and the views across the dry zone carry the visit.

Background

Also written Tantirimale, this old village lies in the Anuradhapura District, approximately 40 km northwest of Anuradhapura city, and its temple goes by the name Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara. The temple dates from the third century BC. Some believe a branch that grew separately from the pot carrying the sapling was planted here, which would make it the first Sri Maha Bodhi plant in Sri Lanka. The bo tree stands on a large layer of stone. The site remained unidentified until the start of the 19th century, and Buddhist monks reestablished the temple in the 1960s. Ruins around it include two stone statues, several stone ponds and ancient caves, and Thanthirimale has an archaeological museum.

Source: Wikipedia, "Thanthirimale"

The main sights

• The reclining Buddha - a large figure carved into the granite outcrop.
• The seated Buddha - a second rock-cut figure on the same outcrop.
• The bo tree - grown, by tradition, from the sapling that rested here.
• The rock drawings - prehistoric markings on some of the surfaces.

When to go

January to April is the driest and most comfortable. Poya days bring pilgrims. Midday on the bare rock is very hot.

Things to know

The site is remote and the road is rough in places. There is little interpretation. Shoes must be removed on the rock, which gets extremely hot.

Nearby

Anuradhapura is southeast, and Wilpattu is west.