Ruwanwelisaya The Great Stupa

There are a few marvels in Sri Lanka that simply takes your breath away. It is not an exaggeration to name the Great Stupa of Anuradhapura, Ruwanwelisaya, as one such marvel.


Nestled in the midst of hundreds of ancient remnants that date back to the Before Common Era, the Great Stupa is truly an architectural wonder. It is believed that when one stands in front of the gigantic structure, one is not be able to hear even a faintest sound, even if a troop of drummers start playing on the opposite side.



The construction work of the Ruwanwelisaya was initiated by King Dutugemunu, after becoming king in 161 BCE. He did not live to see the completion of the stupa. When it was finally completed, it had a diameter of 90 metres at the base and a height of 92 metres (300 ft) and circumference of 292 metres (950 ft).


The compound of the stupa is surrounded by four walls with elephant figures made into them. It is believed that relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the stupa. The Great Stupa was also designed with the teachings of the Buddha in mind. Its dome signifies the vastness of the doctrine, the four facets above it represent the Four Noble Truths, the concentric rings indicate the Noble Eightfold Middle Path, and the large crystal at the pinnacle represents the ultimate Buddhist goal of enlightenment.


It is believed King Dutugemunu had Ruwanwelisaya built at a site where a stone slab, bearing an inscription, was discovered. Legend has it that following a ceremony held to venerate the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a stone inscription, bearing a prophesy made by Arhath Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, was discovered. The inscription is believed to have said, 'in the time to come, a great stupa would be built by a great king at the location in Anuradhapura, where the stone slab is planted.'


Legend has it that King Dutugemunu had the stone inscription removed from the site and a stupa was built. Although he was not alive to see the completion of the Great Stupa, it was his brother, King Saddhatissa, who saw to the completion of the construction.


Although a busy place of worship, during day and night, on any given day of the year, there is a reassuring sense of peace and calm that permeates the busy atmosphere. During daytime, the visitor can marvel at the magnificent white structure that stands proudly amidst numerous ruins in the ancient city. At night time, with lights illuminating the massive structure, Ruwanwelisaya presents an ethereal spectacle of spiritual splendour.