Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Ranked last in the Top 10 Most Famous Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a magnificent Buddhist monument known for its striking features. Standing at an impressive height, the stupa's first notable feature is its sheer size, making it one of the largest stupas in the country.
One key characteristic of Ruwanwelisaya is its pristine white color. The stupa is meticulously whitewashed, creating a sense of purity and tranquility. This simplicity in color adds to its spiritual significance, reflecting the Buddhist principles of simplicity and enlightenment. The white exterior also contributes to the stupa's visibility from a distance, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike to its sacred grounds.
The stupa's surrounding circular terrace is another remarkable feature. This terrace provides a place for devotees to walk and meditate and is adorned with a protective railing. The terrace enhances the accessibility of the stupa, allowing people to circumambulate the sacred structure as part of their religious practices.
Ruwanwelisaya is crowned with a harmika, a square platform-like structure at its summit. This crowning feature symbolizes the Buddha's teachings and serves as a focal point for worshippers. The harmika is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, adding a touch of artistic beauty to the stupa. This elevated platform signifies the spiritual ascent and the ultimate goal of reaching enlightenment.
Ruwanwelisaya features a beautifully manicured courtyard surrounding it, as well as several stone pillars adorned with carvings and inscriptions. These pillars, arranged in a neat and orderly fashion, contribute to the historical and cultural significance of the site. The combination of size, color, terrace, harmika, and pillars makes Ruwanwelisaya Stupa a remarkable testament to Buddhist architecture and a revered destination for those seeking spiritual solace.
Address: 992W+2G9, Abhayawewa Rd., Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Opening hours: 05:30–21:00
