Rising majestically in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Jetavanaramaya Stupa is one of the tallest and most awe-inspiring monuments of the ancient world. Built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE, it once soared to a height of nearly 122 meters (400 feet), making it the tallest brick structure of its time and still one of the largest stupas in existence today.
The stupa marks the center of the Jetavana Monastic Complex, which served as a major hub of Buddhist learning, housing thousands of monks and scholars from across Asia. It is believed to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha’s belt, making it a site of profound religious reverence.
Constructed from over 90 million burnt bricks, Jetavanaramaya’s sheer scale and perfect symmetry stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance and devotion of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The surrounding ruins — including image houses, meditation halls, and inscriptions — reveal the vibrant spiritual and cultural life that once flourished here.
Even today, Jetavanaramaya continues to inspire awe and serenity, symbolizing the enduring harmony between faith, art, and human achievement — a timeless beacon of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
