Ruwanwelisaya - one of the most sacred stupa in Sri lanka

Ruwanwelisaya(also called Swarnamali saaya) is one of the most renowned"stupa"(a construction made for to be worshiped with sacred relics deposited inside)in Sri lanka.It's considered a wonder due to the splendid architecture it bears and the great sanctitiy which has made it sacred to the Buddhists all over the world.This great structure was built by the King"Dutugemunu",one of the few kings who were able to fight for the countries freedom when it was in danger and brought the country under one flag.

As mentioned in an early post this stupa is another one of the most sacred 8 places (atamasthana)a budhist visits at anuradhapura(see the post on Samadhi buddha statue,another one of "atamasthana").Of all the sacred places in the country,16 places are categorized("solosmasthana" or 16 places of veneration)as the most sacred and,a Buddhist considers its their great fortune to visit all these places and to worship them.Ruwanwelisaya is one of the top places in that list.

It is said king Dutugemunu started to build this wonder on a Wesak full moon day which is the most sacred day for the Buddhists and as you can see if you visit the stupa,it was such massive(the pinnacle of the stupa is 24 meters high and its circumference is 950ft!!)that most say he was not been able to finish the work till his death and it was finished by his brother king Saddhathissa who followed him after.There are a lot of reasons why Ruwanwelisaya is very sacred to Buddhists and some reasons would be that it has Lord Buddha's sacred relics deposited inside,made by the great king Dutugemunu and made on a Wesak full moon day.