Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 1 km from Maha Bodhi and 2 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Ruwanwelisaya is a Buddhist stupa situated in the ancient town of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage for Buddhists and among the prime places to visit in Anuradhapura as part of Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

A UNESCO designated site, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas in the heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built in 140 BC by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. It is also called as the Maha Stupa or Ratnapali Stupa or Swarnamali Stupa. It is said that two quarts or one Drona of the Gauthama Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere. This is one of the 'Solosmasthana' (the 16 places of veneration) and the 'Atamasthana' (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa was a ruin in the 19th century and was renovated in the early 20th century by a Sinhalese bhikkhu Naranvita Sumanasara.

With a height of 103 m and a circumference of 290 m, the gleaming white monument is the second-highest stupa in Anuradhapura and continues to be an important place of worship. Its design was inspired by a bubble floating on water. The square portion above the dome represents the Four Noble Truths, while the eight rings represent the Noble Eightfold Path - both are touchstone teachings of Buddhism. Rows of carved elephants and layers of exposed brick provide both support and decoration to the structure. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. At the eastern entrance to the stupa is a statue of King Dutugamunu. The Ruwanwelisaya site also has smaller ruins and freestanding pillars that were once part of the sacred complex. To the west of this complex lays the oldest tank in the country, Basawakkulama, of 4th century BC.

Timings: 7 AM - 5.30 PM

Entry: USD. 25 for Foreigners & USD. 12 for SAARC Nationals (Including entry to all the historical sites except Maha Bodhi & Isurumuniya)