Ruwanwelisaya
Overview
One of the world's tallest ancient monuments and a masterpiece of Sinhalese engineering.
History
Commissioned by the hero-king Dutugemunu to enshrine sacred relics, Ruwanwelisaya (The Great Stupa) was his magnum opus. The Mahavamsa records that the king fell ill and passed away just before its completion; his brother Saddha Tissa covered the unfinished dome with white cloth to show the dying king what it would look like.
Construction
Originally standing at 103 meters (338 ft) with a circumference of 290 meters, it was one of the tallest structures in the ancient world. The foundation was stabilized using crushed stone and elephants equipped with leather boots to stomp the ground flat.
Architecture
The stupa follows the 'Bubulakara' (bubble-shaped) design. It features a 'vahalkada' (frontispiece) at each of the four cardinal points, adorned with elephant carvings. The 'Hatharas Kotuwa' (square enclosure) and 'Devatha Kotuwa' (deity enclosure) sit atop the dome.
Significance
It is revered as the 'Mahathupa' (Great Stupa) and is one of the Solosmasthana (16 sacred places) and Atamasthana (8 sacred places) in Anuradhapura. It is believed to house the largest collection of Buddha's relics in the world.
Current Status
A major pilgrimage site for Buddhists globally, the stupa was renovated in the early 20th century and stands today at 103 meters.