Mirisaveti Stupa
A Sacred Monument of Anuradhapura
Mirisaveti Stupa is one of the eight sacred sites (Atamasthana) in the historic city of Anuradhapura. Located about one kilometre west of the Sri Maha Bodhi, it holds an important place in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
This magnificent stupa was the first dagoba built by King Dutugemunu during his reign in the 2nd century BC (161–137 BC).
According to tradition, the king constructed the stupa as an act of atonement after unintentionally omitting to offer a curry (miris) to Buddhist monks during an almsgiving. This story is closely associated with the origin of the name “Mirisaveti.”
Over time, the stupa fell into disrepair but was extensively restored in the 1980s, preserving its architectural beauty and reviving its role as an important place of worship.
Today, Mirisaveti Stupa stands as a symbol of devotion, history, and spiritual significance, continuing to attract pilgrims and visitors to the sacred city of Anuradhapura.