Uncover the wonders of your next holiday in the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Ruwanmeli Maha Seya
The Great Stupa at Anuradhapura
Ruwanweli seya, revered as the most sacred stupa among Buddhists in Sri Lanka, was constructed in the second century BC under the patronage of King Dutugemunu and initially initiated in 166 BC, the construction of this monumental stupa extended beyond King Dutugemunu's reign. His brother, Saddha Tissa, ascended the throne afterward and completed the significant architectural endeavour left by his late brother.
Ruwanweliseya, architecturally designed to mimic a water bubble, stands impressively with a base diameter of 294 feet and a height of 300 feet. This design not only showcases the remarkable ingenuity of ancient architecture but also holds profound religious significance, embodying a key symbol in Buddhist heritage. Now it is the most significant tourist attraction in the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
It is believed that two quarts, or one Dona, of the Buddha's relics, are enshrined in this most sacred stupa, Ruwanweli Seya making it the most extensive collection of Buddha’s relics anywhere in stupas around the world
