Ruwanweliseya is among the most revered stupas in Sri Lanka. Situated in the historic city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive stupa represents the island’s spiritual commitment, cultural richness, and architectural excellence.
History
According to historical texts, Mahinda told King Devanampiya Tissa that a dagaba would be constructed at a site sanctified by four previous Buddhas, intended to contain relics of Gautama Buddha.Though the king wished to undertake the work himself, the prophecy foretold that a future king, by the name of Dutta Gamini Abhaya, would fulfil this sacred duty. Thus, the prophecy was etched into a stone that stood on the site until it was found years later.
King Dutugemunu, who ruled during the 2nd century BCE, has been deemed one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings, united the island and dedicated his life to bolstering Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Among his numerous contributions, the building of Ruwanweliseya was one of his greatest achievements.
Historical records indicate that the location selected for the construction of Ruwanweliseya was previously the dwelling place of a sacred Thelambu tree, which was under the care of the goddess Swarnamali. As King Dutugemunu intended to fell the tree for the stupa’s construction, the deity manifested before him, asking the king to name the dagaba in her honour. Honouring her wish, the king agreed, and to this day, Ruwanweliseya is also called Swarnamali Seya.
Despite the stupa’s prolonged construction period, the king wished to witness its completion before he passed away. To console the King, his brother, King Saddhatissa, had the unfinished stupa draped in white fabrics, making the appearance of a completed structure. Satisfied he had achieved his final duty, Dutugemunu passed away, leaving his brother to see through the final stages of the stupa’s construction.
Throughout the centuries, Ruwanweliseya has faced various invasions and natural disasters, as well as periods of neglect. Nevertheless, various monarchs such as King Parakramabahu I, who ruled during the 12th century, and King Nissanka Malla in the 13th century renovated the stupa, ensuring that Ruwanweliseya would remain standing.
Architectural Features
The stupa is also considered an exceptional example of ancient engineering. SStanding at a height of 103 metres and having an approximate base diameter of 91 metres, Ruwanweliseya ranks among the largest stupas in the world. The stupa was constructed in the Bubbulakara or water bubble, style, with its dome shaped like a hemisphere.
At its peak stands Koth Kerella, a spear-shaped form that symbolises the highest aim of spiritual enlightenment. Intricately designed stone fences encircle the stupa, embellished with representations from Buddhist teachings and mythology, while vahalkadas, or ornamental altars located at the cardinal directions, are adorned with carvings and writings.
The design incorporates not just religious symbols but also the traditional elements of Anuradhapura architecture.
Religious Significance
In addition to its architectural splendour, Ruwanweliseya is also revered as one of the holiest Buddhist locations. Traditionally, the stupa contains an extraordinary assembly of Buddha relics, surpassing the holiness of any other stupa in Sri Lanka, raising Ruwanweliseya to be the spiritual centre of the island’s Buddhist community.
Legacy and Cultural Importance
While it may not be the oldest or the biggest stupa in Anuradhapura, Ruwanweliseya remains the most significant due to the relics it contains and the devotion it creates. Its perseverance over the centuries, marred by political shifts, foreign attacks, and natural deterioration, is a tribute to the resolve of the Sri Lankan people in preserving this heritage.
