Abhayagiri was one of the four great monasteries of ancient Anuradhapura, housing up to 5,000 monks at its peak. Its stupa, built in the 1st century BC, stands 75 metres tall after centuries of weathering and is surrounded by a wide archaeological zone of ruined shrines, bathing pools, and inscription stones. Nearby is the Samadhi Buddha statue, a beautifully carved 4th-century image of the meditating Buddha that Jawaharlal Nehru reportedly kept a photograph of to calm himself during times of crisis.
Abhayagiri Dagoba
Ancient monastery with massive stupa and Samadhi Buddha