Stupa also called as dagaba is an outstanding architectural marvel of ancient Sri Lanka. They are the largest brick structures in the pre-modern world. Throughout history, numerous huge stupas built to enshrine the relics of the Lord Buddha. Among them, colossal stupas created during the reign of King Dutugemunu are the most prominent ones in Sri Lanka. Currently, some of these stupas are more than two thousand years old. These ancient stupas are major sites of pilgrimage across the Buddhist world.
Basically, there are six types of stupas according to the shape of their dome or body. The most prominent type of stupa in Sri Lanka is Bubble shape call as Bubbulakara. The majority of the popular cultural landmarks such as Ruwanweliseya at Anuradhapura, Rankoth Vehera & Kiri Vehera at Polonnaruwa have this shape. Other shapes include a heap of paddy shape, bell shape, pot shape, lotus shape, and the shape of a Nelli fruit. Other than bubble shape and pot shape stupas, the latter ones are relatively rare to find in Sri Lanka.
In this post, we are going to show you the 10 great historical stupas in Sri Lanka. Most of these stupas are world heritage sites in the country and remember to visit them during your trip to the island.
1. Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is the first-ever Buddhist stupa constructed on the island. Thus it is among the most important historical stupas in Sri Lanka. It was the symbolic Buddhist stupa made after the arrival of Mahinda Thera, which converted Sri Lanka into a Buddhist country. It is located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park in Anuradhapura. This stupa is dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC). There are 2 rows of stone pillars around the stupa that shows there was a Vatadage around Thuparamaya.
Thuparamaya dagoba isn’t a colossal stupa like the other cultural landmarks in Anuradhapura. The monument has a diameter of 59 ft (18 m), at the base. The dome is only 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) in height from the ground. This small stupa has the shape of a bell. This dagoba was destroyed from time to time and what you are seeing today is the reconstruction done in 1842 AD.
2. Ruwanweliseya
Sri Lanka’s iconic white dome, Ruwanweliseya is a magnificent cultural landmark on the island. Also known as the Great Stupa, this gigantic manmade stupa is a glorious ancient heritage of Sri Lanka. The stupa is one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments, standing at 103 m (338 ft) and with a circumference of 290 m (951 ft). Undoubtedly, this magnificent white-painted dagaba is an ancient marvel which is sacred to Buddhists all over the world.
This amazing stupa was a creation by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. Reportedly, it took 33 years to complete this colossal stupa, and the king couldn’t complete the building as he fell ill. Wishing to fulfill his older brother’s dream, Prince Saddhatissa covered the unfinished sections of the stupa in white cloth to make it appear as completed. Thus, King Dutugemunu died believing the Ruwanweliseya was complete. Later, King Saddhatissa completed the construction of the stupa during his reign.
There is a row of elephant sculptures on the wall of the Ruwanwelisaya. Moreover, there is a huge stone-paved floor around the stupa, and it’s called Salapathala Maluwa. Visiting Ruwanweliseya is a spiritual experience for Buddhists as well as other religious communities. The gleam of its white dome against the deep blue sky is a stunning picturesque sight. Moreover, visiting there at night will be a magical experience. You’ll feel there is an incredible spiritual power in this sacred ground during the evening.
3. Jetavanaramaya
The Jetavanaramaya stupa is located in the ruins of the Jetavana monastery in the world heritage city of Anuradhapura. At 122 m (400 ft), this was the world’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world. This was a majestic creation of King Mahasen. The structural ingenuity and engineering skills employed for the construction are significant. Reportedly, Jetavanaramaya took 15 years to complete and would have required thousands of skillful workforce, including brickyard workers and bricklayers, and stonemasons.
With the abandonment of the Anuradhapura kingdom in the 11th century, the stupa was covered by jungle. Later, King Parakramabahu in 12th century renovated this stupa. Its current height is 71 m (233 ft), a reduction from the original height. Today it stands as the largest ancient stupa constructed and one of the tallest ancient structures in the world. When you are visiting Anuradhapura, this is one of the best stupas not to miss in Sri Lanka.
4. Mirisawetiya
The Mirisaweti Stupa in Anuradhapura is a creation by the great King Dutugamunu. There was an interesting folk legend behind this stupa. King Dutugemunu had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath after placing the Lord Buddha’s relics in his sceptre. After the bath, he returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. Then the Mirisawetiya Dāgäba was built on the spot where the sceptre had been stuck in the earth and could not be removed.
King Dutugemunu built it for the “Mahavihara” fraternity and Mirisawetiya developed it as a separate monastery. This is the first stupa built by King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) and restored to its original state recently. The present height is 59 m, 192 feet. Although it’s not as huge and as ancient-looking as the Jetavanaramaya, it’s still a glorious sight to behold and a completely worthy place to visit.
5. Abhayagiriya
King Valagamba established Abhayagiriya during the period of his second reign. It was a major monastery site of Mahayana Buddhism. Abhayagiriya has one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. This is a huge Monastery that spreads over a large area with a Samadhi Buddha Statue, Kuttam Pokuna (twin pond), and moonstone.
Today, the main attraction is the massive Abhayagiri Stupa which stands at 74.98 m to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second largest stupa in height today. Reportedly, this stupa was 122 meters (400 feet) in height and has been decorated with gold and silver and studded with all kinds of jewels. This monument carries special importance as the top portions of the original stupa still survive after thousand years of abandonment, giving a glimpse into what it would have looked like thousand years ago.
6. Rankoth Vehera
The Rankoth Vehera is one of the best cultural landmarks in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was constructed in the late 12th century by King Nissanka Malla. The diameter at the base is slightly more than 60 m, the total height is 55 m. The name “Rankoth” means “golden pinnacle” and it bears a close resemblance to the shape of Ruwanweliseya. Along with the Kiri Vehera, it is one of the most revered stupas in Polonnaruwa.
Rankoth Vehera is a structure made entirely of brick and has a base diameter of 550 feet (170 m) and a height of 108 feet (33 m). It remains the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the fourth largest stupa in the country. The stupa has four large Vahalkadas, a structure used for offering flowers and also to support the weight of a stupa. The stupa locates in the center of a large square terrace surrounded by a brick wall. The terrace has four entrances with sand paths leading to them.
7. Polonnaruwa Kiri Vehera
Polonnaruwa Kiri Vehera is a large stupa lying north of Lankathilaka Pilima House. It is said to be built by a queen of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) called “Subadra”. The original name of this stupa was “Rupavathi Stupa” and stands 24.5m (80 feet) in height today. It really is a large stupa and many smaller dagobas and the walls of other buildings located around it.
This stupa is the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today, staying behind only the Rankoth Vehera. Also, it is the only stupa to survive the 900 years of forces of nature and still is in its original condition. The lime plaster of the dome is better preserved than most other ancient stupas in Polonnaruwa.
8. Kataragama Kiri Vehera
Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa located in Kataragama that dates back to the 3rd century BC. The legend says the Stupa had been built in the location where Lord Buddha rested at Kataragama during his third visit to Sri Lanka. This stupa is located 500 m North of the famous Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. The Kiri Vehera and Kataragama Devalaya are inseparable, as all those who visit one would visit the other.
This is one of the most popular stupas in Sri Lanka, As well, this is a top Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. This huge stupa is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. This magnificent stupa is a creation by King Mahasen. It has a Ghatakara or Pot shape dome. This stupa is a peaceful place where many Buddhists spend some time meditating. It inspires peace and tolerance among the different people belonging to different faiths and religions. All this makes it a must-visit place for the blessings of Buddha.
9. Somawathiya Stupa
The Somawathiya Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa within the Somawathiya National Park on the left bank of the Mahaweli River. If you are visiting Polonnaruwa, then Somawathiya Stupa is a must-see site. The tranquility around this white bubble of a stupa in the middle of a great wilderness will leave you speechless. This large stupa has Ghatakara – Pot shape dome.
According to the history, Somawathiya was built in the 2nd century BC. it is attributed to the reign of King Kavan Tissa, Great Dutugemunu’s father. The stupa was named after his sister Princess Somawathi. She was the wife of regional ruler Prince Abhaya. The prince built this stupa and named it after the princess. Thus, Somawathiya is much older than the historical Ruwanwelisaya, Mirisawetiya, or Jetavanaramaya.
Restored to its ancient glory, there is an uncovered strip in the stupa where one can see the original brickwork laid in the second century BC. There are lots of folk tales and legends surrounding this stupa. According to the locals, wild elephants that roam the neighboring land have often been seen worshipping the stupa at night. Moreover, some devotees had witnessed rays similar to those emanating from the Buddha glowing from the stupa.
10. Tissamaharama Stupa
The Tissamaharama is an ancient Buddhist stupa in the Hambantota district. Tissamaharama monastery had been recognized as a pre-eminent Buddhist educational center of southern Sri Lanka for centuries. The stupa has a Bubble Shape and is built by using bricks on a square platform made of granite stones. This is the largest stupa in the Southern region of the country with a height of 156 feet and 550 feet in circumference.
According to history, this stupa was constructed around 200 BC by King Kavantissa. Next to the dagoba is a statue of the heroic Queen Vihara Mahadevi. Moreover, it is also believed that King Dutugemunu was born in this area. Tissa Wewa locates just beside this stupa resembling the concept of ‘lake and temple’ in the old days. Among the lush greenery of rural countryside, this stupa gives breathtaking scenery to visitors.
To sum up, these are the top 10 historical stupas in Sri Lanka that you should have a look at during your journey. The best time to visit them is early morning or late afternoon. It is because the stones and sand pathways can be very hot during the daytime. You’ll feel it is quite difficult to walk in bare feet on these temple premises at noon and helps to wear socks as walking inside. As well, make sure to dress in proper attire when you are visiting these sacred places. Welcome guys, visit these ancient architectural marvels of old Sri Lanka.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Facebook, and Twitter. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
