The famous Isurumuniya Temple is located within the historic city of Anuradhapura, considered to be the island’s “cradle” of Buddhist civilization. Park yourself at one of the Sri Lanka boutique hotels located near this famous site and explore its fascinating environs. Of all the Sri Lanka luxury hotels on offer, Uga Escapes offers a fine retreat in the midst of this vibrant locality.
Built by King Devanampiya Tissa, the “Lovers” Temple Isurumuiya gets its name from the famous 6th century stone slab that depicts two lovers – the identity of whom has been under much debate. Some believe that it is Prince Saliya and his love Asokamala, for whom he gave up the throne due to the fact that she was of a lower caste than he. Others argue that it is King Kuvera Vairawana, and his royal consort, Queen Kuni. Still others believe that the duo portrays Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Lady Parvati at play. Whomever the figures depicted on the aged surface are, visitors can use their imaginations to fill in their own ideals about the identities and simply savour the artistic skill of the work. The temple that enshrines the carving is built upon a rock, which also features other carvings that depict bathing elephants, a royal figure, and a disembodied horse head. Visit this fascinating temple for an intriguing glimpse of Sri Lankan stone sculpture.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+
