Mahathupa

SRI LANKA, North Central Province, Anuradhapura

Mahathupa means the Great Stupa and it is also known as Ruwanwelisaya. The stupa belongs to the monastery of Mahavihara, which is located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is renowned as one of the largest and most imposing stupas in Sri Lanka. It was built in 143 BCE by King Dutugamunu (reigned 161–137 BCE). Mahathupa was the largest stupa in the world at the time of its construction. It has been renovated many times throughout its history and took on its present appearance after it was repaired during the early 20th century. As part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The stupa is 91.5 m high with a diameter of 90.8 m. The body, harmika, and spire are brilliant white, while the finial is gilded. Relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the stupa. A statue of King Dutugamunu stands with palms joined facing the stupa. At each corner of the courtyard there are small versions of the main stupa. There are standing Buddhas and murals in the nearby shrine, which is a relatively new addition. The boundary walls contain 1,900 elephants in high relief.
This form of stupa had a strong influence on subsequent structures in places such as Thailand and Myanmar.