Ruwanweli Maha Seya
is a great Buddhist stupa situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was
built by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century BC. It is an iconic symbol of Sri Lankan
history and regarded as a highly sacred religious site by Buddhists around the
world.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
is also known as the “Swarnamali Chaitya”, “Rathnamali Chaitya” and
“Mahathupa”. It belongs to the “Atamasthana” of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It
stands along with the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, as one of the most sacred sites for
Buddhists.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya is believed to contain the
largest collection of relics of the Lord Buddha, from all over the world. Being
one of the greatest architectural white structures of the era, the stupa
resembles a bubble of milk. Ruwanweli Maha Seya is designed according to the
teachings of Lord Buddha. Its massive structure resembles the Four Noble Truths
whereas the rings represent the Noble Eightfold Path. The pinnacle at the top
of the stupa, made of crystal, represents the ultimate goal of Buddhism which
is enlightenment.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
is one of the world’s tallest ancient structures standing at a height of
approximately 103 meters and with a circumference of 290 m. It stands among the
top in the list of largest stupas in Sri Lanka.
During the reign of King Devanampiaytissa, Arahath
Mahinda prophesied that a great stupa would be built at a destined site in
Anuradhapura by none other than the king’s grandson himself. The king engraved
this prophecy in a pillar and buried it in the destined place. A century later
the pillar was found by the King Dutugemunu who started constructing the great
stupa. The king had adorned the stupa with many gems and various statues made
of gold.
However, King Dutugemunu did not live to see the
completion of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Later on, his brother Kavantissa, who
succeeded him to the throne, completed the Ruwanweli Maha Seya.
The Ruwanweliseya is an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage, and it attracts tourists and pilgrims around the world. Its historical and architectural significance make it a must-visit travel destination for anyone who interested religious culture and ancient civilization of Sri Lanka.
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