Rankoth Vehera, a grand stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, is a must-see for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich history. Built by King Nissanka Malla between 1187 and 1196, this impressive stupa highlights the architectural skills of ancient Sri Lankan builders.
Rankoth Vehera is notable for its size and detailed design. Inspired by the famous Ruwanwelisaya of Anuradhapura, it was built to be a monumental structure. Despite some changes from renovations, it remains one of Sri Lanka’s largest stupas. It has a base circumference of 550 feet (170 meters) and stands 108 feet (33 meters) tall. Originally, it might have been nearly 200 feet (61 meters) high, making it a remarkable achievement in ancient construction.
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The name “Rankoth Vehera” means “Gold Pinnacled Stupa.” ‘Ran’ translates to gold, ‘kotha’ refers to the pinnacle, and ‘vehera’ means stupa or temple. The stupa includes four large platforms, called Vahalkadas, which were used for offering flowers and supporting the structure. Both the stupa and the platforms are made entirely of brick, showcasing the skill and durability of ancient craftsmanship.
The stupa’s location is also noteworthy. Rankoth Vehera is set on a large square terrace surrounded by a brick wall. The terrace has four entrances aligned with the cardinal directions, and sandy paths lead to these gateways. The stupa’s central position on the terrace creates a calm and reflective atmosphere, ideal for both worship and exploration.
A stone inscription near one entrance reveals that King Nissanka Malla not only supervised the stupa’s construction but also worshipped it from a special platform on the terrace. This adds a personal touch to the site, connecting visitors with its historical past.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route 48 from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, to Kaduruwela. Get off at Polonnaruwa, the nearest town to your destination. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to reach your destination. Polonnaruwa is approximately 224 kilometers from Colombo, and the bus journey takes around 5 hours.
