Standing tall in the heart of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, the Ruwanweli Maha Seya — also known as the Great Stupa — is one of the most revered and magnificent monuments in Buddhist history. Built in the 2nd century BCE by King Dutugemunu, it symbolizes the unity of the nation and the triumph of faith over adversity.
This gleaming white stupa, rising over 100 meters high, is believed to enshrine sacred relics of the Buddha, making it one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist world. Its perfect hemispherical dome, surrounded by a courtyard of hundreds of elephant statues, represents strength, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Throughout centuries, Ruwanweli Maha Seya has been restored and preserved by kings and devotees alike, remaining a powerful beacon of devotion and cultural identity. During poya days and festivals, thousands of pilgrims clad in white gather here to meditate, chant, and offer flowers, creating a serene yet deeply spiritual atmosphere.
To visit Ruwanweli Maha Seya is to witness the enduring soul of Sri Lanka — a sacred masterpiece of architecture, faith, and national pride that continues to inspire awe and devotion across generations.
