Step into the sacred city of Anuradhapura ~ Fearless Mountain Stupa

Near the Bodhi Temple, there is a huge brick-red stupa. When you ride a tutu car through the fields, you can intermittently see this stupa standing tall in the vastness. When you get closer, you will be shocked by its height and huge volume. This stupa in Sinhalese means Abhayagiri Stupa, also known as Fearless Mountain Stupa, one of the most magnificent stupas in Anuradhapura. In the first century BC, King Vattagamani Abhaya ordered the construction of this stupa, which was said to be 110 meters high at that time, almost as high as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, although now only a bare stupa remains, it was only a part of the overall temple architecture at that time. According to records, the temple could accommodate 5,000 monks at that time. The famous Chinese monk Faxian had studied and researched Buddhist scriptures here. Now it is about 75 meters high. 🌟Highlights: In Buddhist history, Fearless Mountain Stupa not only represents a temple, but also a unique historical record, tradition and sect of life philosophy. This was the main temple of Mahayana Buddhism in Sri Lanka at that time. By the third century AD, King Mahasena's support policy allowed Fearless Mountain to reach its peak. It had all the elements that a temple should have: Buddha Hall, Stupa, Bodhi Tree Temple, Library, Chanting Hall, Living Area, Dining Hall, Bath, and even developed road traffic and water diversion systems. By the twelfth century, there was a power conflict between Mahayana Buddhism centered here and Theravada Buddhism centered on the Great Temple. The king at that time suppressed Mahayana Buddhism, and then Mahayana Buddhism began to disappear in Sri Lanka. After thousands of years of wind and rain, now these buildings are basically only the base or completely disappeared, blending with the lush wild grass and old trees around. ✅The achievement of Fearless Mountain is also reflected in the exquisite architecture and sculpture art, among which the most prominent are the Moon Stone and the Guardian Stone. 📝tips: ✅The attractions in the ancient city of Anuradhapura are relatively scattered, generally choose to pack tutu, if you have good physical strength and are not afraid of the sun, you can also rent a bicycle. ✅You need to take off your shoes to enter the temple. If you are afraid that the ground is too hot, you can prepare a pair of socks. Although there are dress requirements for visiting each stupa, they are generally not checked too strictly, but the inspection of the Bodhi Temple is slightly strict. 🗓Itinerary: Most people's choice when they first arrive in Lanka should be to stay in Negombo for rest. I arrived at more than nine in the morning, so I plan to take a bus directly to Anuradhapura and then play slowly. 🚌Major traffic: First take a tutu from the airport to Negombo bus station, there is an air-conditioned minibus to Kurunegala, 210 rupees per person, and then transfer to Anuradhapura. Kurunegala is an important transportation hub, the cars are parked in a mess, if you want to take a few buses, just ask a ticket seller, they will tell you. 🚲Minor traffic: At first we bargained with the homestay brother and rented two bicycles for 700 rupees a day. The next morning, a Korean sister from the same homestay said she had already contacted a tutu, 2000 rupees for six hours, if three people can share, hesitated and decided to take a tutu. The fact proves that although the bicycle is cheap and free, if you choose again, tutu is more comfortable. 🏠Accommodation information: When you get off the bus in Anuradhapura, it feels like you are on the side of the road. Since there is no reservation, it took ten minutes to find GH. The place is not big, you can walk along the main street, or you can book in advance online.