Ruwanweliseya.

Ruwanweliseya, also known as the Swarnamali Maha Chaitya, is the most venerated and well-known stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, it’s a textbook example of the bubulakara (bubble-like) design of stupas. It’s one of the world’s tallest monuments, standing at 103 metres with a circumference of 290 metres.

Solosmasthana

Buddhists believe that the Buddha visited the island on the three occasions, hallowing 16 locations which would go on to become major Buddhist temples. These include Mahiyangana, Nagadeepa, Kelaniya, Siripada, Diva Guhawa, Digawapiya (in the East), Muthiyangana (in Badulla), Tissamaharama, Kiri Wehera (Katharagama) and Sela Chaithya (in Mihintale).

Six of the 16 locations were located in Anuradhapura, and along with Lankaramaya and Lovamahapaya, are collectively known as the Atamasthana. Ruwanweliseya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi are considered the most important of these sites.

The chronicles state that King Devanampiyatissa, after embracing Buddhism, erected a pillar on Arahat Mahinda’s instruction at the site on which the future Ruwanweliseya would be built. The site is said to have been home to a deity named Swarnamali, after whom the stupa is named.

Building the Stupa

The chronicles greatly detail how the stupa was constructed by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. The rare and precious raw materials required for the stupa are said to have miraculously appeared in locales not far from the city. Stones, bricks, mercury, wood apple resin and fine clay are said to have been used in the foundation, along with sheets of bronze and silver.

The king died before construction could be completed, and it fell to his brother Saddhatissa to complete the stupa.

Ruwanweliseya Today

Restoration of the stupa began in 1893, centuries after Anuradhapura had been abandoned to the jungle. The Venerable Naranvita Sumanasara Thero braved the malaria infested lands, collecting donations and enlisting the help of volunteers. The work was finally completed in 1940, with the “”Sein Bu Crystal”” gifted by Burmese Buddhists being affixed at the pinnacle of the stupa.

Since then, the Ruwanweliseya has been one of the most visited sites of pilgrimage for Sri Lankan Buddhists. The expansive maluwa (seating area around the stupa) can easily seat thousands of devotees. There are four smaller replica stupas on the four corners of this area.

A statue of Dutugemunu watches over the stupa, palms held together in eternal worship.

The stupa is located next to the Basawakkulama tank (Abhaya Wewa), the oldest reservoir in Anuradhapura. There are four gates facing the four directions, but entrance is usually limited to the eastern gate. Near this entrance, there’s an illuminated and paved walkway that leads from Ruwanweliseya to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

The area surrounding the stupa has thousands of brick and granite ruins. This was once the centre of the Mahavihara complex, the heart of Theravada teaching. The tripitaka was studied and preserved here, and later spread to Burma, Thailand and the rest of the Buddhist world.

Travel Tips

The best times to visit Ruwanweliseya are early morning and in the evenings. It gets pretty hot here after 8 – 9 AM. Personally, my favourite time to visit is around 6 PM, when the lovely breeze from the lake drifts in and the granite is still warm from earlier in the day.

Conclusion

Ruwanweliseya is the most important stupa for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It’s got a fascinating history and is a must-see location for anyone exploring old Anuradhapura.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

International Hummus Festival 2023 at Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana Ramadan Kareem! Festivities have just begun for the Muslim/Islam community in welcoming

Highlights Kamu

7 places to have Pasta- 2023

By Shamrina Carim Our taste buds crave for that perfect chef-kiss Italian cuisine once in

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

The Grand Iftar Spread by Ramada Colombo

By RR During this blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims around the globe come together to

Kamu Trending

Ifthar 2023 – Reinvented by Street Burger

By Shamrina Carim During this holy month of Ramadan, once again Street Burger has not

Highlights Kamu

Arabia’s Oasis of Flavours – Cinnamon Red

Cinnamon Red Colombo’s top tier fine dining Flavored restaurant has introduced an incredible range of

Highlights Kamu

The weekend Lunch Buffet at Movenpick

Movenpick boasts of its location in the heart of Colombo, its 219 spacious, luxury hotel

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

This Avurudhu “Celebrate & Stay” at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo

Colombo, Friday 31st March 2023: As the sun makes its final stretch from Pisces to

Trending

Sri Lankan Muslim Community invites all to join them for Iftar

Sri Lankan Muslim Community invites all to join them for Iftar Once held but differed

Trending

John Wick Brings the Action the Red Carpet Premiere at Scope Cinemas.

Scope Cinemas, Liberty Cinemas Limited, and Lionsgate proudly present the exclusive premiere of John Wick:

Trending

Thambili Culture Boutique – A homegrown boutique in the heart of Colombo

What’s in store? The Thambili Culture Boutique is a locally inspired clothing store that started

Highlights Trending

International Hummus Festival at Hilton Colombo

Get Ready to Dip, Savor and Celebrate: International Hummus Festival Returns Bigger and Better Than

Trending

The Grand Iftar Spread by Ramada Colombo

By RR During this blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims around the globe come together to

Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

7 places to have Pasta- 2023

By Shamrina Carim Our taste buds crave for that perfect chef-kiss Italian cuisine once in

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

6 Trusted Pet Food Brands you should know

For awhile, Petmart has established itself as the premier pet shop in Sri Lanka. It

Highlights Yamu Guide

6 Pet Essentials from Pet Mart

Coming home to a devoted friend is the best feeling in the world. A pet's

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Places to eat Rice & Curry

By RR Yes, pizzas and burgers are amazing but truly nothing can beat a good

Highlights Yamu Guide

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Quickee this year!

It's easy to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle of life, where

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Hike in 2023

Have you ever thought of arranging a travel bucket list to climb a mountain this

Highlights Yamu Guide