This is another ancient monastery complex in Anuradhapura built by King Mahasena (276- 303 AD) who is also reputed as the great tank builder of Sri Lanka. The gigantic stupa which takes center stage in this complex is believed to be the tallest stupa I the world. It’s original height was over 120 meters. Withstanding the ravages of nature more than 1600 years it is a silent testament to the engineering skills of the ancient architects of Sri Lanka. The whole complex spreads over an area of 80 hectares, which is a result of gradual expansion of over six centuries since it’s establishment.

The area where the monastery stands was earlier known as the “Nandana” pleasure grove. It is here that Mahinda thero preached the doctrine of the Lord Buddha for seven consecutive days in the 3rd century BC. After this event the Grove took the name of “Jotivana” which means “the place where the holy one had made the true doctrine shine faith”.

Although on a small scale, the layout of the monastery is similar to that of the Abhayagiri. The area of the refactory covers about 48 hectares, which would have housed about 3000 resident monks. The monastery compound which covers eight hectares had all the components of advanced monastic architecture. These include the stupa, the image house, the Bo Tree shrine, the chapter house, the assembly hall and the residential complex. Dispersed around them are residential complexes and colleges where pupils lived and were taught by senior monks. All these building are located around the stupa in relation to the cardinal points. To the west there is the image house. The Bo tree shrine and the chapter house is to the south and the refectory to the east. The residential colleges form a belt around the stupa, their entrances facing it.

On the south west of the stupa, there are a set of buildings known as “Panevasa” meaning “five residences”. These were the monks living quarters and they spread in the five-in-dime formation with one huge building in the middle and four smaller ones in the four corners.

The image house or the prathimagara is the largest image house found in Anuradhapura. It is located to the west of the stupa. This splendid structure has eight meter high door side posts, a 25 chamber stone reliquary and the lotus pedestal of the Buddha image. It has massive brick walls with narrow windows and a path around it for the devotees to pay their homage.

Similar to the Abhaygiriya complex there is a modern museum at this site too, displaying aretifacts found during excavations. Among these Jethavana treasures are imported ceramics, locally manufactured pottery, semi-precious stone, Roman, Indian and other coins, gold, silver and bronze ware.


Back