Thuparamaya Stupa | Anuradhapura

Thuparamaya Stupa, Anuradhapura

The Thuparamaya Stupa is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka. Located in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, this stupa holds immense religious and historical significance for Buddhists and is a key landmark in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overview

• Name: Thuparamaya Stupa
• Location: Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
• Type: Buddhist Stupa
• Religious Significance: It is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka and holds a sacred relic of the Buddha.
• Period of Construction: 3rd century BCE
• Height: Approximately 18 meters (59 feet)

Historical and Religious Significance

Construction by King Devanampiya Tissa:

• The Thuparamaya Stupa was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the first stupa built on the island following the arrival of Arahant Mahinda, the monk sent by Emperor Ashoka of India to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• King Devanampiya Tissa commissioned the construction of the stupa to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha. This relic, believed to be part of the Buddha's collarbone, was brought to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda.

Relic of the Buddha:

• The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha, a highly sacred object for Buddhists. The relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India, marking a significant event in the spread of Buddhism across the region. The Thuparamaya Stupa thus became one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka, symbolizing the country's deep ties to Buddhism.

Symbol of the Spread of Buddhism:

• The construction of the Thuparamaya Stupa is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The stupa not only housed a precious relic but also served as a symbol of the establishment of Buddhism as the state religion and the foundation of Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka.

Architectural Features

Simple and Elegant Design:

• The Thuparamaya Stupa has a relatively simple yet elegant design. It is a small, dome-shaped stupa, about 18 meters in height, making it one of the smaller stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is built in the traditional Sri Lankan stupa style, with a hemispherical dome that represents the Buddha’s teachings of impermanence and spiritual growth.

Distinctive Features:

• One of the unique features of the Thuparamaya Stupa is its pillar structure. The stupa is surrounded by a series of pillars, which are believed to have been used for the decoration and support of the stupa in ancient times. The stupa is also surrounded by a stone platform that marks the sacred space of the stupa.
• The stupa’s surface is adorned with intricate carvings of Buddhist motifs, including lotus flowers and other symbols representing the Buddha’s teachings. These carvings showcase the early Buddhist art and architecture of Sri Lanka.

Restoration and Preservation:

• Over the centuries, the Thuparamaya Stupa has undergone several phases of renovation and restoration, especially after it was damaged during invasions and natural disasters. Despite this, the stupa has retained its significance as one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Place of Pilgrimage:

• The Thuparamaya Stupa remains a major place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. It is one of the most sacred stupas in Sri Lanka, and every year, thousands of Buddhists visit the site to offer prayers, meditate, and seek blessings. The stupa is particularly visited during Poya days (full moon days), which are important in the Buddhist calendar for religious observances.

Buddhist Worship and Rituals:

• Pilgrims come to the Thuparamaya Stupa to participate in religious rituals, such as chanting and offering flowers, incense, and oil lamps. These rituals are an expression of devotion to the Buddha and an important way to earn spiritual merit.

Symbol of the Unification of Sri Lanka under Buddhism:

• The Thuparamaya Stupa is also a symbol of the early unification of Sri Lanka under Buddhism as the state religion. It represents the importance of Buddhism in Sri Lankan culture and society, a faith that has shaped the country’s identity for over two millennia.

Visitor Experience

Access:

• The Thuparamaya Stupa is located in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is easily accessible to visitors. It is situated near other key religious monuments, such as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, making it an integral part of a tour of Anuradhapura.

Religious Etiquette:

• Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the Thuparamaya Stupa. It is customary to remove shoes before entering the sacred area, and visitors should walk clockwise around the stupa as a sign of respect. Photography is generally allowed, but visitors are advised to be mindful of the spiritual significance of the site.

Meditation and Reflection:

• The site is a peaceful and serene location for meditation and reflection. Visitors can sit near the stupa or in the surrounding area to meditate, contemplate, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa (Approx. 1 km):

• The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of the most important and iconic stupas in Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu, it is believed to house relics of the Buddha and is a central point of pilgrimage and religious activity in Anuradhapura.

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (Approx. 1 km):

• The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, located near the Thuparamaya Stupa, is one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka. It is believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Jetavanaramaya Stupa (Approx. 2 km):

• The Jetavanaramaya Stupa is one of the tallest and largest stupas in Sri Lanka. It is a significant site in Anuradhapura and features remarkable ancient architecture and sculptural details.

Conclusion

The Thuparamaya Stupa is a crucial landmark in Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage and represents a significant moment in the history of the island’s religious culture. As the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka and a site enshrining one of the Buddha’s relics, the Thuparamaya holds an exceptional place in the hearts of Buddhists. Its simple yet elegant architecture, combined with its rich historical and spiritual importance, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage.