It is also known as the "Great Stupa," a huge monument for old Sri Lanka's architectural prowess and for spiritual dedication of an old Buddhist shrine. This Buddhist monumental place is in the sacral city of Anuradhapura, one of the most reverent centers of pilgrimage in the whole world for Buddhists. This is a place each traveler interested in discovering the richness of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage has to see.
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was built by one of the greatest kings in Sri Lanka, who has been put into history, King Dutugemunu, ruled in the 2nd century BCE. He is also famous for uniting the island under one rule and his devotion towards Buddhism. The building of the stupa was one of the most important chapters in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka because the king wished to propagate the teaching of the Buddha.
King Dutugemunu did not live to see the completion of the stupa. His brother, King Saddhatissa, completed the work after his death as a fulfillment of his brother's dream. The original name given to the stupa was "Mahathupa," meaning "Great Stupa." Since then, it has become a sacred landmark for all Buddhists.
Architectural Marvel
Ruwanwelisaya is one big wonder that is so well-known due to its size and its aesthetic beauty. This big, beautiful hemispherical dome of this huge and magnificent dagoba reaches an approximate height of 103 meters or 338 feet in height whereas the circumference of 290 meters or 951 feet make it one of the largest stupas in the world. Brilliantly shining in contrast to a greenish background, there shines the outer whitish coat.
The four vahalkadas that carry the stupa itself are beautifully carved and comprise many carvings and symbols which explain the Buddhism. The stone carved elephants form a ring out of this structure and do seem to be holding that structure aloft as these symbolize strength and steadiness. The carvings are lifelike features found in most parts of Ruwanwelisaya, testifying the skill of an ancient race of artists.
There's its gilded spire named "kotha" and it is the place holding the sacred remnants of Buddha. To add these remnants they have already transformed this stupa into a spiritually revered place.
Ruwanwelisaya is highly regarded for religious activities in Sri Lanka. It is one of the Solosmasthana that refers to the 16 sacred places of worship in the country. Belief that it houses some of the relics of the Buddha such as the collarbone of the former, his water bowl and even a portion of his ashes has also increased the sanctity of this stupa.
The place of Ruwanwelisaya receives devotees and pilgrims from all the nooks and corners of Sri Lanka as well as other parts of the world to come there for worship, meditation, and for the performance of rituals. The place acquires maximum vibrancy during Poya days when innumerable devotees assemble here for religious observance. Some of the common rituals include lighting oil lamps, offering flowers, reading Buddhist scriptures, etc, which, in the culmination, generate a very pious atmosphere.
Symbolism and Legacy
Ruwanwelisaya is, therefore, much more than a structure or building: it symbolizes the rich Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka through the people's struggle with maintaining this old tradition. As a stupa, its hemispheric shape reminds one of the whole universe, and its pinnacle brings to mind enlightenment, taken as the highest ideal the human being could achieve, according to Buddhism.
The stupa depicts the unification of the ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. The way in which King Dutugemunu collected resources and manpower from the whole island depicts the teamwork in which this magnificent monument stood before us today.
Ruwanwelisaya indeed depicts a pride of the nation as well as spiritual attachment towards its people.
Conservation and Revival
Ruwanwelisaya has experienced many natural disasters and attacks during its thousands of years but successive generations of people have stood up for restoration of glory that they lost. It has been given a chance to survive till now by carrying on restoration works by Buddhist monks and locals under their leadership itself during the 19th century.
Using modern techniques of conservation, the structure of the stupa has been well kept. Today, this place is under the administration of the Anuradhapura Archaeological Department and they are working day and night to preserve the place. Such activities make Ruwanwelisaya shine bright as a light upon the cultural and spiritual aspects of Sri Lanka.
Visitor Experience
Visiting Ruwanwelisaya is an experience of history and spirituality in architecture. Entry to the stupa approach is impressive in scale, and garden and pathways with proper care present a so calm atmosphere to sit here and meditate.
Visitors are asked to dress decently and take off their shoes before going to holy ground. Air is charged with religious feeling because pilgrims chant their prayers, burn incense, and make flower offerings. For the information of how and why this stupa has been erected, there is an organized tour.
Travel Information
How to Reach Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This city can be reached through several transport facilities:
1. By Train: There are regular train services that Sri Lanka Railways conduct from Colombo to Anuradhapura. The duration of the train ride will take about 4-5 hours with a nice view of the countryside.
2. By Bus: Long distance buses go from Anuradhapura to Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. For budget travelers, the cheapest form of transportation would be a bus.
3. By Car or Taxi
Hired cars and taxis can be hired in good private service and offer flexible comfort. The driving distance is around 4 hours from Colombo.
Local Transport
There are many modes of transportation in Anuradhapura. Most of them are tuk-tuks, bicycles, and hired cars. There are many tourists who prefer biking because riding around ancient structures and places of worship offers a sense of serenity.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit the sites of Ruwanwelisaya and Anuradhapura are May to September when the weather is cool due to the dry season. In this period, some might find time for culture due to the fact that the Buddhist festivals also fall into this period but would be messy at this point.
Hotels/ Resorts
Anuradhapura has accommodation options in every budget:
Luxury Hotels: Luxury resort and hotel provide modernistic facilities with serene surroundings.
• Mid-Range Options: Guesthouses and boutique hotels providing good facilities at affordable value
• Budget Accommodation: Backpacker-friendly hostels and budget lodges
Other attractions around Anuradhapura
Above attractions can be covered with a visit to Ruwanwelisaya:
1. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree: The ancient man-planted tree, recorded in history
2. Jetavanaramaya: This is another giant stupa of great historical as well as architectural importance.
3. Isurumuniya Temple: The carvings of rock add serenity to the temple
4. Kuttam Pokuna is an ancient and pre-historic water management feature of Sri Lanka.
5. Abhayagiri Monastery: Once, it had been one of the big monastic centers for Buddhism.