Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya: The Rock Temple of Romance

**Isurumuniya** is perhaps the most romantic and artistically diverse of all Anuradhapura's ancient sites. Built into a low granite outcrop near the Tissa Wewa, this temple dates back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (3rd century BC). While the main shrine is a peaceful place of worship, the site is world-famous for its incredible stone reliefs, which showcase a secular and artistic side of the ancient capital that is rarely seen elsewhere.

Stone Carvings and Royal Gardens

The star attraction is the "Isurumuniya Lovers," a 6th-century carving believed by many to represent Prince Saliya (son of King Dutugemunu) and his commoner bride, Ashokamala. Other masterful carvings include the "Man and Horse," the "Elephant Pool," and the "Royal Family." These carvings are housed in a small museum on-site. The temple itself integrates seamlessly with the surrounding rock and water, featuring a beautiful pond at its base where elephants appear to be bathing in the stone.

Art Appreciation with HBS Tours

At **HBS Tours**, we treat Isurumuniya as an open-air art gallery. Our guides help you decode the symbolism in the stone carvings and explain the tragic yet beautiful love story of Prince Saliya. We also take you to the top of the rock for a panoramic view of the Tissa Wewa reservoir, explaining the vital role this massive ancient tank played in the sustenance of the city.

Activities for Visitors

After visiting the museum, take a slow walk around the pond and look for the elephants carved into the water-line of the rock. It's a great spot for artistic photography. We also recommend walking along the bund of the Tissa Wewa during sunset—the path connects Isurumuniya with the Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Pleasure Garden), offering a glimpse into the leisure activities of ancient Sri Lankan kings.