A rock-cut cave temple beside a lotus pond, famous for its exquisite ancient stone carvings including the 'Isurumuniya Lovers'.

Overview

Isurumuniya is a picturesque temple built into and around a granite outcrop next to a bathing pool, its rock face carved with elephants and a small shrine reached by steps up the boulder. Its museum displays celebrated Gupta-influenced sculptures, most famously the intimate carving known as the Isurumuniya Lovers. It is a smaller, atmospheric counterpoint to the great stupas.

History

The temple is traditionally attributed to King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE and is associated with the enshrinement of Buddha relics and, later, royal legends. Its finely carved stone panels are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture.