About the Ruwanweli Seya

This Swarnamali Maha Seya was built by King Dutugemunu, who ruled our country in the past. This was the main dagoba attached to the ancient Maha Viharaya. It is also the main dagoba belonging to the Atamasthana located in Anuradhapura today. Not only in the Atamasthana, but Ruwanweli Seya is one of the sixteen temples.

(The main entrance to Ruwanweli Seya.)

(The path leading to Ruwanweli Seya)

The importance of the Swarnamaali Maha Seya is that it is one of the most sacred places in the world where the dona relics of our Lord Gautama Samma Sambuddha reside. In addition, the Ruwanweli Maha Seya is the only dagoba where the dona relics of the Lord Gautama Samma Sambuddha reside. The dagab of this seya contains a copper - gold Parinirvana-like idol, gold, silver, pearls and other sacred objects, as well as many valuable objects.

King Dutugemunu was unable to complete the construction of Ruwanweli Seya before he died. That is, the temple could not be completely built. After his death, his brother King Saddhatissa completed the construction work of Ruwanweli Seya and dedicated the temple to the Buddha. It is said in the past that during the construction of Ruwanweli Seya, gold, pearls, etc. were found in the ground to be placed in the temple. Many people, including Dasamaha Yodhas, were involved in the construction of the temple. On both sides of the steps at the entrance to Ruwanweli Seya, there are statues of King Dutugemunu and his mother, Vihara Maha Devi.

(The front steps leading into Ruwanweli Seya.)

(The statue of Vihara Maha Devi, the mother of King Dutugemunu, near the entrance steps to Ruwanweli Seya.)

The physical characteristics of Ruwanweli Seya are that it is 338 feet (103 m) high and 942 feet (287.1 m) in diameter, making it one of the tallest monuments in the world (the circumference of the base of the nave is 807 feet). It is also the second largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Due to its architectural qualities and miraculousness, Ruwanweli Seya is a stupa that has become extremely sacred among Buddhists around the world.

(You can see from this two pictures how large the nave of Ruwanweli Seya is.)

Rules to be followed when entering the Ruwanweli Seya

Ruwanweli Seya, Sri Maha Bodhi and the Temple of the Tooth are the three main Buddhist religious sites in Sri Lanka. Therefore, devotees who come to visit these places must follow certain rules. Not only Buddhists but also foreigners and other pilgrims must adhere to these rules and no one can deviate from them. The rules are as follows.

• Women are prohibited from wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved blouses or dresses, and if they do, they must wear a shawl to cover their upper body.

• Women are also prohibited from wearing clothing above the knee and are advised to wear a long, white, modest dress.

• Men are also prohibited from wearing shorts that are above the knee or pants with patches.

(This picture shows pilgrims coming to worship at Ruwanweli Seya.)

• Also, if you are carrying items such as pirikara to offer to the Ruwanweli Seya, you must have them inspected and confirmed at a special check point.

The area around Ruwanweliseya

The area around Ruwanweli Seya is known as the Mahamevna Uyana. It is more than 500 acres of land. This garden was dedicated to Buddhism by the then king Mutasiva. This garden is a green, beautiful and peaceful garden with many trees and ancient ruins. This garden includes Ruwanweli Seya, Sri Maha Bodhi, Lowamahapaya and Thuparamaya.

(What you see in these two pictures is Lowamahapaya. This is a monastery donated to the monks by King Dutugemunu. At that time, it was a monastery consisting of nine floors. That is why it is called Lowamahapaya. Today, only a few stone pillars remain.)

(This is a picture taken in the Mahamewuna Garden around Ruwanweli Seya.)

Offerings made to the Ruwanweli Maha Seya

All those who go to worship at Ruwanweli Maha Seya do not forget to bring a sacred offering to the Maha Seya. Devotees also bring small chaitya made of flowers, and robes to offer to the Maha Seya.

(This is a small chaitya made of olu flowers.)

(How devotees offer robes)