Ruwanwelisaya: The Great Stupa Revered Worldwide

 

Ruwanwelisaya: The Great Stupa Revered Worldwide

Ruwanwelisaya holds a paramount position among the Solosmasthana (the 16 sacred places) and the Atamasthana (the 8 sacred places) venerated by Buddhists around the globe. 

🏛️ History and Architecture

Located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, this magnificent Stupa stands at approximately 338 feet in height with a circumference of nearly 1,000 feet. 

Built By: King Dutugemunu in the 2nd Century BC. 

Architectural Shape: Designed in the Bubbulakara (bubble-like) shape, inspired by a rising bubble on the surface of water. 

Sacred Relics: It enshrines the largest quantity of Lord Buddha’s relics compared to any other stupa—housing approximately one Drona of relics. 

Miraculous Origins: According to the Mahavamsa, precious metals and jewels required for its construction—such as gold, silver, copper, and gems—appeared miraculously in various parts of the island. 

Restoration: After falling into decay due to foreign invasions, the stupa was restored in the 10th century under the leadership of Ven. Narangsi Sumanasara Thero. 

🌿 The Name Behind the Stupa

Prior to construction, the land chosen for the stupa was inhabited by a tree deity named Swarnamali. After seeking her permission to clear the site, the stupa was named Swarnamali Maha Stupa in her honor. 

🔍 Key Features of Ruwanwelisaya

💎 The Crest Gem (Chuda Manikaya)

Gracing the top of the stupa is a 5.5-inch tall crest gem gifted from Myanmar (Burma). It symbolizes the supreme illumination of Enlightenment and Nibbana. 

🗝️ The Relic Chamber (Dhathu Garbhaya)

As recorded in the Mahavamsa, the inner chamber houses a golden Bo tree, golden statues depicting the Jataka stories, and sacred lamps crafted to burn indefinitely. 

☸️ Dewatha Kotuwa & Kot Kerella

These upper structural components symbolically represent the Noble Eightfold Path and the pathway to Nibbana. 

🚪 Vahalkada (Frontispieces)

Intricately carved frontispieces adorn the four cardinal directions, decorated with traditional motifs such as Punkalasa (vessels of abundance) and lion figures. 

🛕 Image House (Pratima Gharaya)

Inside the main image house, visitors can pay homage to statues of the four Buddhas of the present era (Kalpa): Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, and Gautama Buddha. A statue of Mariteya Bodhisattva is also enshrined here. 

👣 Sacred Footprint (Sri Pathula)

Enshrined within the complex is an ancient, rare stone carving of the Buddha’s sacred footprint decorated with 108 auspicious marks. 

🐘 Elephant Wall (Ath Pavura)

A square outer wall featuring 338 sculpted elephants encircles the stupa, symbolizing both grandeur and protective strength. 

🌳 Jayanthi Maha Bodhi

Located on the southern side of the premises, this sacred tree was grown from a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. 

🏗️ Engineered Foundation

To prevent the massive stupa from sinking into the earth, historical records note that the foundation was thoroughly reinforced using heavy elephant trampling, iron, and stone layers. 

🪨 Salapatla Maluwa (Paved Courtyard)

The vast courtyard is paved entirely with smooth granite slabs. 

On one side of the courtyard sits a miniature model of Ruwanwelisaya. Folklore suggests that King Dutugemunu built this model as a blueprint before beginning the actual construction. 

🗿 Statues of King Dutugemunu & King Bhatikabhaya

Statues of King Dutugemunu and King Bhatikabhaya are erected within the stupa courtyard to honor their contributions. 

📜 The Final Moments of King Dutugemunu

Before the completion of the stupa, King Dutugemunu fell gravely ill. Desiring to see the finished work, his brother, Prince Tissa (Saddhatissa), draped the entire stupa in white cloth to give it the appearance of being completed. Gazing upon the completed sight of his life's work, the King passed away peacefully and, as history records, was reborn in the heavenly realm. 

📝 Tips for Visitors & Pilgrims

Best Time to Visit: The stone floor (Salapatla Maluwa) can become very hot during the daytime. The ideal times to visit are early morning or evening. 

Opening Hours: The stupa complex is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Etiquette: Visitors must remove headwear and footwear before entering. Modest white attire is strongly encouraged when visiting the sacred grounds. 

🚦 How to Get to Ruwanwelisaya

By Private Vehicle: Drive along the A0 highway from Colombo; the journey takes roughly 4 to 5 hours. 

By Bus: Take a long-distance bus to the Anuradhapura Main Bus Stand, and take a short tuk-tuk ride to the stupa complex. 

By Train: Board an express train from Colombo Fort (such as Udaya Devi, Yal Devi, or Rajarata Rejini) heading toward Jaffna, Kankesanthurai, or Mannar, and alight at the Anuradhapura Railway Station. From there, you can reach the stupa via tuk-tuk.