Ruwanwelisaya
Overview
Ruwanwelisaya is Sri Lanka’s most sacred stupa, revered for enshrining the largest collection of Buddha relics.
Highlights
Built in 140 BCE, this majestic stupa symbolizes national unity, devotion, and ancient engineering mastery.
Explore Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya (also known as the Maha Thupa or the Great Stupa) is the most venerated of all stupas in Sri Lanka. While other stupas like Jetavanaramaya might be physically larger, Ruwanwelisaya holds the highest spiritual status because it is believed to enshrine the largest collection of Buddha’s relics one-eighth of the total existing relics.
Built by the legendary King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE, it stands as a symbol of national unity and a masterpiece of ancient engineering.