RUWANWALI SAYA

           RUWANWALI MAHA SAYA

The Ruwanwali Maha Saya was constructed by king dutugamunu

 in 161 BCE. This was his most valuable project and it is said that one of the architects designed a bubble of milk. Unfortunately, the king Dutugamunu did not live to see the completion of the Ruvanvalisaya. This sthupa was one of the wonders of the world, with it’s diameter of 90 meters at the base and a height of 91 meters. The complex of the Ruvanvalisaya is surrounded by four walls with elephant statutes made into them.

                                                                                              It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya and aRathnamali Dagaba.the stupa is also one of the solosmasthana (the 16 places of venaration) and the atamasthana. (the 8  places of venaration in the anciant sacred city of anuradhapura)

      
   
According to the legend during the construction of the stupa, different materials were used, such as gold, silver, pearls, corals, steel, clay bricks and precious stones. The construction of stupa was launched on full moon of Vesak month. All the important events in Sri Lanka took place on this very night: Buddha’s birth and death, his arrival to Sri Lanka etc. In the center of the stupa King put 8 big pots of gold and 8 pots of silver. He also put 108 vases around them. In the each of 8 corners of the stupa he put a gold bar, surrounded by 108 silver bars. However he wasn't able to see his creation fully completed: king Dutthagamani died when the roof was being finished. His brother had to continue the construction.