Introduction
Vessagiri, or Vesagiriya, is a series of stone rocks and caves that are part of
the ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. They are located
about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, in a mountainous region. Above the caves
are inscribed the names of donors written in Brahmi script.
It is believed that Vessagiriya in Anuradhapura is place where the first 500 Buddhist
Bhikkhus in the country entered in to the Sasana. King Devanampiyatissa (250-210
BC) constructed and donated the caves in 3 BC to the Bhikkhus who came from all
over the country to reside there and practice meditation. The complex comprises
65 caves which carry inscriptions written in Brahmi and are the oldest in Sri Lanka.
Later other Kings also added many structures to this monastery which is spread over
an area of 40 hectare.
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