Thuparamaya

Located within the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Thuparamaya holds a unique place in Sri Lanka's history as the island's first Buddhist stupa. Constructed during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC, shortly after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda, the stupa symbolises the birth of Buddhism on the island and remains one of its holiest places of worship.

According to Buddhist tradition, Thuparamaya enshrines the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the earliest and most sacred relic stupas in the Buddhist world. For more than two thousand years, devotees have gathered here to offer flowers, light oil lamps and pay homage, continuing a tradition that has endured through countless generations.

One of Thuparamaya's most distinctive architectural features is the circular arrangement of graceful stone pillars that surround the stupa. These ancient columns are believed to have once supported a protective roof, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of Sri Lanka's earliest Buddhist monuments. Although the original structure has been restored several times throughout history, its sacred significance has remained unchanged.

Today, Thuparamaya stands as an enduring symbol of Sri Lanka's Buddhist identity and the beginning of an extraordinary religious tradition. Surrounded by the magnificent archaeological treasures of Anuradhapura, this peaceful sanctuary offers visitors a profound spiritual experience while preserving one of the island's greatest historical legacies.