Isurumuniya Rock Temple

Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC, this ancient site was designed as a monastic sanctuary

for high-caste ordained monks who wished to live in quiet meditation away from the main

palace courts.

The temple is built around a peaceful lotus pond, with a small white stupa perched gracefully at

the highest point of the rock. The granite cliff face features a series of ancient low-relief

carvings, including a famous image of elephants splashing in water carved directly at the water's

edge, showcasing a wonderful blend of natural stone and artistic design.

Isurumuniya is globally celebrated for its small on-site museum, which houses some of the

finest examples of early Sri Lankan stone carving discovered during excavations. The crowning

jewel of the collection is the "Isurumuniya Lovers," a 5th-century Gupta-style stone plaque that

depicts a seated warrior holding a beautiful young woman on his lap. Local legend suggests the

carving depicts Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu, who famously gave up his right to

the royal throne to marry a low-caste village girl named Asokamala. The collection also features

the "Man and Horse" carving and a selection of royal court scenes, offering an intimate look into

the artistic skills of early craftsmen.