Nestled in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Isurumuniya is a small yet enchanting rock temple that beautifully blends art, history, and spirituality. Built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE, it was originally a monastery for newly ordained monks — known as “Isurumuni Vihara.”
The temple is world-renowned for its exquisite rock carvings, particularly the famous “Isurumuniya Lovers”, a graceful stone sculpture believed to depict either Prince Saliya and his beloved Asokamala or divine celestial figures. Other intricate carvings, such as the Elephant Bathing Panel and Horseman Relief, highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of the early Anuradhapura period.
Set beside the tranquil Tissa Wewa reservoir, the temple’s peaceful surroundings, lotus ponds, and ancient stone terraces create a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection. Visitors can also climb the rock summit to enjoy panoramic views of the sacred city below.
Isurumuniya is more than an archaeological wonder — it is a poetic space where devotion, art, and legend meet, capturing the gentle soul of Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage.
