Ruwanweli Maha Saya, Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Ruwanweli Maha Saya is a Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, with a white dome rising around 103 meters above the ground. The entire structure measures roughly 290 meters in circumference and is surrounded by a tall white wall.
King Dutugemunu began building this stupa around 140 BCE after defeating King Elara and uniting Sri Lanka under his command. Later rulers carried out restorations that maintained the original design over the following centuries.
The name translates from Pali as great golden sand, referring to the color of its original finish that once covered the dome entirely.
Visitors must remove shoes and headwear before entering the temple grounds, and respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees is required. Photography and mobile phone use are not allowed in certain areas around the stupa.
The relic chamber inside houses the largest collection of Buddha relics in the world, including precious artifacts and religious treasures. The construction required specialized materials such as Himalayan clay, crushed stones, and mercury-based bonding agents to ensure stability.
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