The First Stupa Built in Sri Lanka - Anuradhapura

Thuparamaya in Anuradhapura was the first stupa to be built after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 3rd BC. King Devanampiyatissa upon the request of Mahinda Thera, built the stupa to enshrine the right upper jaw bone relic of Buddha sent from India by Great King Ashoka, father of Mahinda Thera. The unique architecture feature of a vatadage stupa house was the earliest monument constructed as a stupa as well as a monastery.



During early times, a Vatadage was built around Thuparamaya Stupa with two rows of stone pillars around it. The Stupa sits on a circular platform surrounded by four concentric circles of octagonal pillars. Some of these 176 dome supportive stone pillars are found within the site. It was said that during 7th century, Thuparamaya Stupa was covered with gold and silver foils and structure of Vatadage was built with gold bricks and doors were made from gold. When South Indian Tamil intruded Anuradhapura, they robbed away all golds, silvers and jewels. In late 10th century, the stupa was restored with gold coverings but again all valuables were completely plundered by the invaders.



Thuparamaya Stupa had been from time to time, destroyed and restored. The present 20 feet high structure in a shape of a bell had completely changed the ancient feature of this most ancient stupa in the island. The original paddy heap shaped monument remains only in the history.






The conserved remains of an image house at the stupa complex.






The ruins remain at site today covers only 3 1/2 acres.






Circle round the stupa benefits for a better rebirth and distant from all disasters.



The nearby brick mound was known as Padhalanchana Chethiya or Shila Chethiya or Digha Thupa. It was originally built in 2nd century BC by King Langhatissa to cover the foot print of Lord Buddha. According to some Chronicales, Lord Buddha impressed his foot print at this site when ascending to the air and return to India after his third visit to Sri Lanka.



Only one of the old guard stones at Padhalanchana Chethiya remains intact.