The Ancient Cities

of

Sri Lanka

Abhayagiri Dagoba ( "Fearless Giri " ) in Anuradhapura

This colossal dagoba is the centrepiece of a monastic complex

founded by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC 

that subsequently developed into an international institution

attracting scholars from many countries. 

The Chinese monk Fa-hien came here in the 5th century

in search of Buddhist manuscripts and spent two years. 

In its original form the dagoba was 115 metres high 

but now it is only 75 metres high with a circumference of 667 metres.

It was at the Abhayagiri complex

that the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha

brought to Sri Lanka was first housed.

Abhayagiri Dagoba ( "Fearless Giri " ) 

Abhayagiri Dagoba ( "Fearless Giri " ) 

Abhayagiri Dagoba ( "Fearless Giri " ) 

Map of Abhayagiri Dagoba ( "Fearless Giri " )