Jetavanarama Stupa, an ancient Buddhist monument located in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a stunning example of ancient engineering and religious dedication. Built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena, it was once the tallest stupa in the world and remains one of the largest and most impressive structures of its kind.
King Mahasena, who commissioned the stupa, supported Mahayana Buddhism, which led to a decline in the influence of the Theravada Mahavihara monastery during his reign. This stupa symbolizes not only religious devotion but also the changes in Sri Lankan Buddhism during that time.
Jetavanarama Stupa is famous for its size and architectural features. It was originally built with about 93.3 million baked bricks. The base of the stupa covers an area of 233,000 square meters, showcasing its enormous scale.
© Wimukthi Bandara | creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en
The stupa has four wide staircases, one on each side, each measuring 9 meters across. These staircases lead up to a grand shrine, accessible through an 8-meter high doorpost, highlighting the impressive entrance and architectural skill of its builders.
To ensure its stability, the stupa is supported by a deep foundation resting on solid bedrock. This foundation, 8.5 meters deep, has helped the stupa stand the test of time, preserving its structure through centuries of renovation.
Originally standing at 122 meters tall, Jetavanarama Stupa was an imposing sight in ancient Anuradhapura. Although its height has been reduced to 71 meters due to renovations, its massive scale and intricate design still impress visitors and reflect the architectural skills of its era.
The stupa was part of a large monastery complex that could accommodate around 10,000 monks, highlighting the central role of Buddhism in ancient Sri Lankan society. The surrounding area, covering approximately 5.6 hectares, is an interesting site with many ruins that tell the story of Sri Lanka’s religious history.
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the weather is cooler.
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.
