Lovamahapaya, Buddhist monastery ruins in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The stone pillars of Lovamahapaya form a grid pattern of forty rows with forty columns each, totaling 1600 monolithic granite columns.
King Dutugamunu constructed this nine-story building between 161-131 BCE, with bronze roof tiles and precious stones adorning its exterior walls.
Different levels of the structure accommodated monks based on their spiritual attainment, with the highest floors reserved for those who reached enlightenment.
The site stands between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya temples, accessible via the Puttalam-Anuradhapura-Trincomalee Highway and Mihindu Mawatha road.
This structure maintained its position as Sri Lanka's tallest building for over 1000 years, from 155 BCE until 993 CE.
Location: Anuradhapura
GPS coordinates: 8.34611,80.39750
Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:55
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