Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the sacred Mahamewna Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is the oldest known Buddhist site on the island and holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s spiritual history. For those interested in the island’s cultural and religious heritage, Thuparamaya is a significant destination.
The temple was built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC) and is the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka. This stupa was built to house a valuable relic—the right collar-bone of the Buddha. The construction of Thuparamaya was inspired by Mahinda Thera, a monk sent by Indian King Ashoka to spread Buddhism. Mahinda Thera’s efforts greatly influenced Sri Lanka’s spiritual development, and King Devanampiya Tissa’s role in building Thuparamaya was a key part of this historic change.
© Naduni Ranasinghe | unsplash.com/@naduni3000
Thuparamaya’s design is also noteworthy. Originally shaped like a bell, the stupa has been restored several times over the centuries. The current structure, rebuilt in 1842, has a base diameter of about 59 feet (18 meters) and stands 164½ feet (50.1 meters) tall. Its dome is set on a base 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 meters) high, adding to its impressive appearance. The area around the stupa is paved with granite, and there are remnants of an ancient vatadage, or covered structure, seen in the stone pillars.
Recognized as a protected archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government, Thuparamaya is more than just a physical landmark; it is a symbol of cultural and historical significance. The site contains Sri Lanka’s earliest chiseled stone inscription, dating from the reign of King Gajabahu (114-136 A.D.), which provides important information about the temple’s early history.
Thuparamaya is usually open from early morning until late afternoon. While entry to the temple is generally free, donations are welcomed to help maintain the site.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route No. 4 (Colombo – Anuradhapura) or bus route No. 87 (Colombo – Vavuniya) from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, and get off at the Market Junction (Market Handiya) bus stop in Anuradhapura. From the Market Junction bus stop, walk a few meters ahead and turn left. This road leads directly to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, about 1 km away.
Market Bus Stop, Anuradapura.
From there, the eight sacred sites known as the Atamasthana—Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama—are within walking distance, or you can take a tuk-tuk. It’s recommended to start your journey by visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya. The journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
