Description
Ruwanwelisaya is one of the most significant stupas in Sri Lanka, located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is a sacred Buddhist site and an architectural marvel, representing a key monument in the country’s cultural and religious heritage.
Key features and points of interest at Ruwanwelisaya include:
- Stupa: The central structure of Ruwanwelisaya is a massive stupa, a hemispherical dome-like structure that contains relics associated with Lord Buddha. The stupa is surrounded by a circular terrace.
- Diameter and Height: Ruwanwelisaya is renowned for its colossal size. The diameter of the stupa is approximately 290 feet (88 meters), and it stands at a height of around 338 feet (103 meters), making it one of the tallest stupas in Sri Lanka.
- White Dome: The stupa’s dome is typically painted white, giving it a distinctive appearance. The whiteness symbolizes purity and is a characteristic feature of many Buddhist stupas.
- Terraces and Railings: The stupa is surrounded by several terraces and concentric circles adorned with decorative railings. The outer railings are adorned with intricate carvings and designs.
- Devotional Area: The area around the stupa is considered sacred, and visitors engage in devotional activities, including making offerings and walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction, a practice known as “circumambulation.”
- Ancient Anuradhapura: Ruwanwelisaya is part of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital of several Sinhalese kingdoms for many centuries. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ruins are a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history.
- Religious Significance: Ruwanwelisaya holds great religious significance for Buddhists, and it is considered one of the Solosmasthana, the sixteen sacred places associated with events in the life of Buddha.
- Festivals: Special religious ceremonies and festivals are held at Ruwanwelisaya during auspicious times, attracting pilgrims and visitors from various parts of the country.
