Ruwanweli Maha Saya

When it comes to the most revered places for Sri Lankan Buddhists, the Ruwanweli Great Pagoda holds a special place, even surpassing the fame of the Sri Dalanda Palace. This magnificent pagoda is a testament to the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and is believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu, one of the greatest monarchs in Sri Lankan history.

Located about 2 kilometers from the Anuradhapura New Bus Stand, the Ruwanweli Maha Saya stands as a unique shrine among the eight great stupas of the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The origins of this sacred pagoda are tied to a stone pillar called Ruwan Maluwa, erected by King Patis II, who prophesied that his grandson would someday construct a grand shrine at this very spot. True to this prophecy, King Dutugemunu undertook the monumental task of building this magnificent stupa, which would later become known as the Ruwanweli shrine.

According to the Mahavamsa, this stupa boasts a diameter of approximately 370 feet and was excavated to a depth of seven cubits to prevent subsidence. The interior, known as the Dhatu Garbhaya, was fortified with six stone slabs and iron nets, showcasing the meticulous engineering skills of the time.

The shrine itself consists of six massive stone slabs and houses a carved bodhi tree, an image of the Buddha seated beneath its shade, and an array of depictions from the life of the Buddha. Although King Dutugemunu was unable to complete the entire project during his reign, it was later expanded by subsequent rulers. King Saddhatissa added stones to the quadrangular fort, while King Dhatusena made significant contributions to the site.

Additional carvings and structures associated with Ruwanweli Saya include the Hasathiveda, Elephant Wall, House of Five Statues, Buddha’s Siripatula Stone, Bamboo Elephant Stone, Salapatha Malue Circle, Kirti Sri Nisshankamalla Letter Bhatikabahya Image, and the Dutugemunu Image Stone Pillar. Nearby, you can also find the Shila Chetiya, Elara Tomb, and other historical artifacts, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s ancient history and culture. The Ruwanweli Great Pagoda stands not only as a symbol of devotion but also as a testament to the architectural and artistic brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka.