The Mayura Pirivena is a ruined building situated to the southwest of Sri Maha Bodhiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
History
The construction of Mayura Pirivena is attributed to King Buddhadasa (340-368 A.D.) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom (Dhammika, 2008). According to Mahawamsa, the king built this place as the educational institute of Maha Viharaya and donated several villages for its maintenance. However, the original was replaced by King Dhatusena (455-477 A.D.) and was repaired again by King Mahanaga (573-575 A.D.).
It is said that the Buddhist monk Ven. Buddhaghosha had met the head of the Maha Viharaya in a meditation hall of this Pirivena (Wikramagamage, 2004).
Structure
The present building has a few pillars with sculptured capitals left from the old building. At the entrance of the building is a flight of steps accompanied by Korawakgal (wingstones) and Sandakada Pahana (moonstone). A sculpture depicting half of a lotus is visible in the middle of the Sandakada Pahana. Half tiles, bricks, pottery, iron nails, and beads were also said to be discovered among the remains of the building.
The architectural features of this structure suggest that this building has been built in accordance with the Pancharama style.
Conservation
The Archaeological Department excavated the ruined structure in 2011 and completed its conservation works in 2012.
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References
1) Dhammika, B. S., 2008. Sacred Island; A Buddhist pilgrim’s guide to Sri Lanka. Buddhist Publication Society. ISBN: 978-955-24-0271-5. p.48.
2) Wikramagamage, C., 2004. Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites: Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.59.
2) Wikramagamage, C., 2004. Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites: Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.59.
Location Map
This page was last updated on 14 January 2023