Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Ruwanwelisaya The Great Stupa
Simply known also as the Great Stupa, the Ruwanwalisaya was
constructed by Duttagamini(King Dutugemunu) after he become king in
161 BCE. This was his most ambitious project and it is said that one of
the architects designed the done to resemble a bubble of milk . Sadly, the king did not live to see the completion of stupa(Pagoda).
When it was finally completed, it was one of the wonder of the ancient world, with a diameter of 91. The compound of the stupa is surrounded by four walls with elephant figures made into them. It is believed that relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the stupa (Pagoda).
The Ruwanwalisaya was also designed with the teaching of the Buddha in mind. Its dome signifies the vastness of the doctrine, the Four Noble Truths, the concentric rings indicate the Noble Eightfold path, and the large crystal at the pinnacle represents the ultimate Buddhist goal of enlightenment.
Ruwanweliseya - Wikipedia
When it was finally completed, it was one of the wonder of the ancient world, with a diameter of 91. The compound of the stupa is surrounded by four walls with elephant figures made into them. It is believed that relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the stupa (Pagoda).
The Ruwanwalisaya was also designed with the teaching of the Buddha in mind. Its dome signifies the vastness of the doctrine, the Four Noble Truths, the concentric rings indicate the Noble Eightfold path, and the large crystal at the pinnacle represents the ultimate Buddhist goal of enlightenment.
More Information
Studying Buddhism -Lord BuddhaRuwanweliseya - Wikipedia
Ruwanweli Maha Seya:
Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama was a glorious global gift to humanity.
He blossomed forth into the universe to put them on the correct track
for their emancipation.
Never was there a day an hour or a minute that He thought of Himself but the entire humanity.
He discovered the realities of life the eternal bliss the truth of
life, the joy of Vimukthi and offered it to the humanity for their
liberation from samsara. After the Parinibbana of the Buddha millions of
devotees venerated Him in various ways. Chetiya worship was one such
method of paying respect to His doctrine of Dhamma.
In the Mahaparinibbana Sutta the Buddha is said to have mentioned that there were four classes of people over whose remains stupas or chetiyas should be built such as the Buddhas, Pacheka Buddhas, Arahats and universal monarchs. Further, the Buddha is said to have advised stupas to be built over the relics of the great Theras Sariputta and Moggallana. Hence chetiya worship seems to have existed during the Buddha's time. There is evidence to this effect in Dhammapadattakatha. the practice has been continued and mostly the Buddha's relics were enshrined in chetiyas.
As Mihintale was 12 miles away from the capital, King Devanampiya Tissa donated the Mahameghawana gardens to Ven. Mahinda and His mission. Mahavihara was later constructed here and it became the centre of Theravada doctrine with the three great symbols of the Triple Gem, Chetiya enshrining the Buddha relics, the sacred Bo tree symbolising the Enlightenment and the main temple signifying the Maha Sangha. Hence, the Ruwanweliseya, Mahavihara and the Sri Maha Bodhi became the associated places of worship of the Mahavihara and it received the special attention of the kings.
In close proximity to the sacred Bo tree is the Dagaba of Mahavihara, Ruwanweliseya, the largest chetiya built by King Dutugemunu, the national hero of Sri Lanka as well as Mahavamsa as mentioned by its author Thera Mahanama.
History reveals that it became customary for every temple to have a chetiya, ever afterwards.
With the inauguration of the chetiya construction the king is said to have been blessed with heaps of peals, gold and gems. the chetiya was elaborately planned and well laid out. When the "pesale" the platform on which the chetiya rests, was being built, it had sunk repeatedly for three times. the king in dismay, consulted the monks. Their reply was that it was due to their firm determination to instil strength and stability to the blissful chetiya. With the completion of the third Pesale the Chetiya was said to contain within its depth a gem studded Bodhiya with its outspreading branches, all decorated well.
A Buddha statue was erected on the backdrop of the Bo tree depicting Mara Parajaya and the consequent enlightenment of the Buddha.
His firm determination was that the Buddha be seen on this perfect setting of the silver bed in the reclining pose which he did see with his own eyes.
His shraddah(piety) was overflowing. It is said that there is no other chetiya which could be compared to Ruwanweliseya in the whole universe.
He passed away at the site while admiring the last stages of the construction. His brother King Saddhatissa who succeeded him is said to have temporarily covered it with cloth to the shape of a Dagaba enabling him to pass his last breath peacefully with his clasped hands on his forehead with 'Sadhu Sadhu' and a sigh of relief. Later, King Saddhatissa had really and truly completed the chetiya to its present position, after fulfilling his brother's ambition. today it lies majestically adding beauty and sanctity to the city of Anuradhapura where our heritage lies.
It is one of the main attractions reflecting the past glory and pride of this paradise isle.
Never was there a day an hour or a minute that He thought of Himself but the entire humanity.
He discovered the realities of life the eternal bliss the truth of
life, the joy of Vimukthi and offered it to the humanity for their
liberation from samsara. After the Parinibbana of the Buddha millions of
devotees venerated Him in various ways. Chetiya worship was one such
method of paying respect to His doctrine of Dhamma. In the Mahaparinibbana Sutta the Buddha is said to have mentioned that there were four classes of people over whose remains stupas or chetiyas should be built such as the Buddhas, Pacheka Buddhas, Arahats and universal monarchs. Further, the Buddha is said to have advised stupas to be built over the relics of the great Theras Sariputta and Moggallana. Hence chetiya worship seems to have existed during the Buddha's time. There is evidence to this effect in Dhammapadattakatha. the practice has been continued and mostly the Buddha's relics were enshrined in chetiyas.
Chetiya worship
After the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka Arahat Mahinda Himself introduced chetiya worship here, so much so that Anuradhapura became known as Atamasthana.As Mihintale was 12 miles away from the capital, King Devanampiya Tissa donated the Mahameghawana gardens to Ven. Mahinda and His mission. Mahavihara was later constructed here and it became the centre of Theravada doctrine with the three great symbols of the Triple Gem, Chetiya enshrining the Buddha relics, the sacred Bo tree symbolising the Enlightenment and the main temple signifying the Maha Sangha. Hence, the Ruwanweliseya, Mahavihara and the Sri Maha Bodhi became the associated places of worship of the Mahavihara and it received the special attention of the kings.
In close proximity to the sacred Bo tree is the Dagaba of Mahavihara, Ruwanweliseya, the largest chetiya built by King Dutugemunu, the national hero of Sri Lanka as well as Mahavamsa as mentioned by its author Thera Mahanama.
History reveals that it became customary for every temple to have a chetiya, ever afterwards.
Emergence of the sacred site
Chetiyas became so important part of Buddhism mostly due to the fact that the Buddha relics are enshrined in them and Ruwanweliseya is an outstanding example. According to the ancient chronicles the Buddha is believed to have visited Mahiyangana and Nagadeepa and on His third visit He had blessed this sacred site with 500 ascetics. Subsequently, when Thera Mahinda had made an offering of flowers there had been a tremor. When King Devanampiya tissa was anxious to know the reason for this miraculous tremor from the Thera, He predicted that in time to come a stupa will be erected where the Buddha relics would be enshrined and the particular salutation of the earth was in anticipation of the magnanimous event.Royal edict
The King's happiness knew no bounds "I can do it", he replied unhesitatingly. The Thera said there is sufficient sasana work for you to be involved in and therefore the right person to undertake this sacred task will soon appear and he is none other than Dutugemunu Abhaya who will be your grandson. the astonished king preserved a document carved in golden letters in the royal treasury. He also set up a tower with a royal edict inscribed on it on the site where Ratnamali Chetiya will be built. Years later King Dutugemunu seeing the document and the inscription, was impatient until it materialised. Having consulted the Bhikkhus, the sacred task was begun.Construction begins
The determined king first laid the foundation with eight golden bricks, specially made for the purpose witnessing another earth tremor.With the inauguration of the chetiya construction the king is said to have been blessed with heaps of peals, gold and gems. the chetiya was elaborately planned and well laid out. When the "pesale" the platform on which the chetiya rests, was being built, it had sunk repeatedly for three times. the king in dismay, consulted the monks. Their reply was that it was due to their firm determination to instil strength and stability to the blissful chetiya. With the completion of the third Pesale the Chetiya was said to contain within its depth a gem studded Bodhiya with its outspreading branches, all decorated well.
A Buddha statue was erected on the backdrop of the Bo tree depicting Mara Parajaya and the consequent enlightenment of the Buddha.
Miraculous wonders
The interior was decorated with the sculpture of 16 Buddha statues. it was also covered with the scenes and events from the life of the Buddha giving prominence to Wessantara Jathaka. Finally, a silver bed was prepared and later Thera Sonuttara was requested to get the relics from Nagaloka where it had been safely kept on his return. When the relics were about to be placed on the bed the miracles of Yama Maha Pelahara were seen on the sky and the relics flew spontaneously on to the head of the king.His firm determination was that the Buddha be seen on this perfect setting of the silver bed in the reclining pose which he did see with his own eyes.
His shraddah(piety) was overflowing. It is said that there is no other chetiya which could be compared to Ruwanweliseya in the whole universe.
The last stages
King Dutugemunu having achieved his ambition of unifying the island and then becoming the benefactor of Buddhism erected many religious buildings such as Lovamahapaya, Mirisa Vetiya etc., with a magnanimous service to Buddhism. But his versatile genius could not live to see the completion of this magnificent Dagaba-Ruwanweliseya.He passed away at the site while admiring the last stages of the construction. His brother King Saddhatissa who succeeded him is said to have temporarily covered it with cloth to the shape of a Dagaba enabling him to pass his last breath peacefully with his clasped hands on his forehead with 'Sadhu Sadhu' and a sigh of relief. Later, King Saddhatissa had really and truly completed the chetiya to its present position, after fulfilling his brother's ambition. today it lies majestically adding beauty and sanctity to the city of Anuradhapura where our heritage lies.
It is one of the main attractions reflecting the past glory and pride of this paradise isle.
Ruwanweli Seya
Anuradhapura
is one of the most important places in Sri Lanka for the tourists who
are interested in the culture and history of the country. The two most
important places of worship in Anuradhapura are the Sri Maha Bodhi
and the Ruwanweli Seya (a dome built over Buddha’s relic). The great
king Dutugemunu built this gigantic Seya or stupa after saving Rajarata
(northern part of Sri Lanka)
from foreign domination. The experience and the knowledge he had
gained, while he was living in the kingdom of Magama (kingdom in deep south Sri Lanka)
under the reign of King Kawantissa, helped him to become a great
contributor for the Buddhism in Sri Lanka.He built massive structures
and developed Anuradhapura into a sacred city of Sri Lanka Buddhism .Mahawamsa
states that monk Mahinda (son of Indian emperor Dharma Ashoka)
sprinkled flowers at seven places where future religious buildings would
be built and on each such occasion the earth was shaken. When the earth
was shaken at the site of the Ruwanweli Seya, Monk Mahinda told the
king Devanampiya Tissa, that a grandson of his called Dutugemunu will
construct a Stupa at the site in the future. King Devanampiya Tissa
built a monument at the location and inscribed the prophecy of monk
Mahinda on it.A
popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida) on
the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the abode
of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was cut
down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it came
to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa
mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named
‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank) . The tank was filled with earth to make a
road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists
believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any
ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.According
to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was
demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the
Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name
however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa
or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the
Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock
inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The
rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of
the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription
found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant
made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size
compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking
of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a
large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the
ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular
boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great
dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This
the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such
a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to
repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about
370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the
Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that
was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya.
This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be
Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first
time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga.
In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the
Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at
the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this
usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1
mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
A popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida)
on the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the
abode of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was
cut down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it
came to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa
mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named
‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank). The tank was filled with earth to make a
road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists
believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any
ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
Mahawamsa states that monk Mahinda (son of Indian emperor Dharma
Ashoka) sprinkled flowers at seven places where future religious
buildings would be built and on each such occasion the earth was shaken.
When the earth was shaken at the site of the Ruwanweli Seya, Monk
Mahinda told the king Devanampiya Tissa, that a grandson of his called
Dutugemunu will construct a Stupa at the site in the future. King
Devanampiya Tissa built a monument at the location and inscribed the
prophecy of monk Mahinda on it.
A popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida) on the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the abode of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was cut down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it came to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named ‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank). The tank was filled with earth to make a road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
A popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida) on the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the abode of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was cut down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it came to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named ‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank). The tank was filled with earth to make a road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
Mahawamsa states that monk Mahinda (son of Indian emperor Dharma
Ashoka) sprinkled flowers at seven places where future religious
buildings would be built and on each such occasion the earth was shaken.
When the earth was shaken at the site of the Ruwanweli Seya, Monk
Mahinda told the king Devanampiya Tissa, that a grandson of his called
Dutugemunu will construct a Stupa at the site in the future. King
Devanampiya Tissa built a monument at the location and inscribed the
prophecy of monk Mahinda on it.
A popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida) on the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the abode of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was cut down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it came to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named ‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank). The tank was filled with earth to make a road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
- See more at: http://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/sri-lanka-holiday/2012/05/ruwanweli-seya/#sthash.DxcZVlxm.dpuf
A popular legend is that there was a Telambu tree (Sterculia foetida) on the very place, where the stupa was to be built and that was the abode of a syvian or a tree spirit named Swarnamali. When the tree was cut down it was agreed that her name was to be given to the Stupa so it came to be called Swarnamali Seya. The sub commentary to the Mahawamsa mentions that the stupa was constructed above a shallow tank named ‘Kakudha vapi’ (Kumbuk tank). The tank was filled with earth to make a road to Thuparama during the reign of King Lasnji Tissa. Archeologists believe that the low land lying towards the north and devoid of any ruins may have been the tank bed of Kakudha veva.
According to the ancient chronicle Bodhiwamsa the boundary of the Ruwanmaluwa was demarcated by the monk Mahinda himself. The Stupa that was built in the Ruwanmaluwa was the one to be known as Ruwanveli seya. This name however was not used at the beginning and it was known to be Mahathupa or Mahaseya. The name Ruwanveli is mentioned for the first time in the Mahawmasa in connection with the reign of King Khallatanaga. In the rock inscription this Stupa was often referred as the Ratanacetiya. The rock inscription of Kirti Sri Nissankamalla found at the main terrace of the Ruwanweli Seya itself bears witness to this usage. An inscription found at the Thuparama belonging to King Gajabahu 1 mentions a grant made to the monks at the Ratana Araba Vihara.prof.Paranavithana has pointed out that this reference would have been very likely applied to the Ruwanweli.
Ruwanweli was known as the Mahathupa as it was the largest in size compared to other stupas in Rajarata. The author of Mahawamsa speaking of the size of the Mahathupa says that the King desiring to allocate a large space for the Cetiya ordered a minister to walk around along the ground prepared while he held a turning staff for tracing the circular boundary but a monk named Siddhattha prevented the King the great dimension and got him to allocate a moderate space for the Cetiya. This the monk did for he knew that death would come upon the king before such a big Stupa would be finished and moreover it would be a hard task to repair such a big Stupa. At last the Mahacetiya with a diameter of about 370ft was constructed on the designated site by the monk Mahinda.
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Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura
The construction of Ruwanweliseya was prophesied by the great Buddhist missionary Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC).
Having heard of the prophesy of
Maha Thera Mahinda to the effect that a great Stupa would be built by a great
king at a certain location at Anurdhapura, King Devanampiya Tissa had an
inscription pillar planted at the said location narrating the prophesy.
A little more than a century
later, the inscription pillar was destined to be found by a fitting hero: King
Dutugamunu (101-77 B.C.), who rescued the Sinhalese Buddhist nation from the
Dravidian invader. “The Hero of the Nation” wasted no time and commenced the
construction of Ruwanweliseya also named Maha Stupa or Ratnapali Stupa or
Swarnamali stupa.
Following the declaration of the
king that no work at the great stupa should go unrewarded, a streak of luck
dawned on the pious king: a rich vein of Silver was discovered at a village
subsequently renamed Ridigama meaning Village of Silver in Sinhala. The
construction of stupa cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages alone.
At a circumference of 370 feet
and a height of 180 feet, Ruwanweliseya, the third largest stupa of Sri Lanka,
is the focal point of the Maha Vihara, the first monastery of Sri Lanka. It is
believed a considerable amount of relics of Buddha is enshrined in this
glorious stupa, built in replicating the shape of a bubble of water. At the eastern
entrance to the stupa is a statue of King Dutugamaunu. According to the records
made by Fa Hsien, the Chinese Buddhist monk, who toured Sri Lanka in the 5th
century CE, Maha Vihara monastery housed no less than 3000 Buddhist monks.
Since the death of King
Dutugamunu, “The Hero of the Nation”, the great stupa had been renovated by a
succession of Sinhalese king till King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). By the
19th century, Anurdahapura, once the greatest monastic city of the world, also
named Anurogrammon, by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD) was
deserted; Ruwanweliseya was in ruins.
In the year 1893, a patriotic and
pious Buddhist monk called Naranvita Sumanasara Thera supported by a community
of humble villagers in the region, took upon the Herculean task of
reconstructing the great stupa. The community resulted in forming a society
called Ratnamali Chaityawardhana Society.
Picture gallery of Riwanweliseya
Ruwanweliya
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa), the foremost of the supremely glorious ancient living monuments of Sinhalese Buddhist Heritage at the city of Anuradhapura (a UNESCO World Heritage Site-Culture) was built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), the Hero of the Nation, who hailed from Ruhuna, which was destined to give birth to most of the glorious heroes of the island nation of Sri Lanka from the ancient era to the modern day. Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) also called Maha Stupa (Sinhala: the great dagoba) or Ratnapali Stupa or Swarnamali stupa has been the most adored, most venerated among the great ancient stupas (dagobas) of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is replete with the ancient cultural monuments located in between the River Malwatu Oya and two great ancient man-made irrigation reservoirs called Tissa Wewa and Abhaya Wewa (Basawakkulama Wewa). These two ancient irrigation reservoirs, together with ancient Nuwara Wewa reservoir on the eastern flank of the River Malwatu Oya, extend the lifeline to the agricultural district of Anuradhapura.
The three main ancient stupas clustered south of the ruined Southern wall of Anuradhapura, namely Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Mirisavatiya Dagaba and Jetavana Stupa perfectly align with the celestial layout of Rigel, Mintaka and Bellatrix, three of the seven stars of the Orion constellation, which was associated with Osiris, the sun-god of rebirth and afterlife, by the ancient Egyptians (3150 BC-conventional Egyptian chronology).
And Anuradapura
of Sri Lanka (SL Low gravity anomaly: -104m geoid), though far south of
Bodh Gaya of Northern India, is only three and a half degrees west of
it. Bodh Gaya, the location where Gauthama Buddha attained Supreme
enlightenment, is considered Patavi Nahbi (Sanskrit: naval of the
Earth), according to the Buddhist cosmology. Bodh Gaya’s antipode, on
the other side of the world, that can be connected by an axis running
through the very centre of the Earth, is the Temple of the Sun (referred
to as the naval of the universe) of the Mayans (3114 BC Mesoamerican
Long Count calendar) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cuzco
(Quechua, the Inca language: the navel of the universe) nearby Machu
Picchu, the lost city of the Mayans.
Added to the inexplicable cosmological and geographical mysteries associated with Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa), is the fact that locations for the construction of Ruwanweliseya and Mirisavatiya
were determined by a couple of extraordinary circumstances. Still more
astonishing is the sudden yet timely surfacing of precious metals and
jewels at the beginning of the construction of Ruwanweliseya Stupa.
The great prophesy by Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda
The construction of the Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) and Lohamaha pasada (Sinhala: Brazen Palace) commenced hot on the heels of construction of Mirisavetiya Stupa in Anuardhapura following an accidental discovery of a stone slab with an inscription, immediately after a magnificent ceremony held in veneration of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura. It revealed a prophesy made by none other than the great Buddhist missionary Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC): in the time to come, a great Stupa would be built by a great king at the location in Anuradhapura, where the stone slab is planted.
If you build, they will come, the resources.
It was hard times: the island nation had no surplus of resources following the long drawn out war to rescue the nation from Dravidian Invader Elara (205-161 BC) from Southern India, and then again subsequent to the construction of Mirisavetiya stupa (it took three years) and glorious nine story-one thousand chamber residence called Lohamaha pasada for the Buddhist monks. But then, if you build, they will come. And they came, the resources. Devo wassatu kalena, sabbha sampatthi siddhiya (Pali: In the times of gods, all treasures abound, & prosperity looms high).
Mahawamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka narrates the discoveries of gold, copper, Silver, gems and pearls in all four corners of the island.
To the westward of the capital, at the distance of five yojanas, at the Uruvelpattana, pearls of the size of “nelli” fruit, together with coral beads, rose to the shores from ocean. Some fishermen seeing these, gathering them into one heap, and taking (some of) the pearls and coral in a dish, and repairing to the king, reported the even to him.
The Mahavansa in two parts. The Translation of the first part by George Turnour, C.C.S. (year 1837), The Translation of the second part by L. C. Wijesinha, Mudaliyar (year 1889), G. J. A. Skeen, Government printer, Colombo, Ceylon. 1996 reprint by Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, ISBN 81-206-1155-1
The trading of Pearls in Sri Lanka runs as far back to the Phoenicians, who traded in the island for Pearls. The dominance of the Arabs in the pearl trade in the Gulf of Mannar from the 7th to 15th centuries AD was followed by the Portuguese. The Portuguese (1505-1640 AD), the first Europeans to set foot in Sri Lanka derived a considerable revenue from Ceylon Pearl fishing in the Gulf of Mannar, north east of Sri Lanka. So did the Dutch (1640-1796) who ousted the Portuguese from the island by military power, secured power in some of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and seized upon then enormously profitable Pearl fishery. And then did the British (1796-1948), who forced out the Dutch by intrigue. Robert Knox, a British prisoner (1659-1679) escaping from Kandy found his way to the Fort at Mannar called Arrepa (meaning a sieve, and supposed to derive its name from sifting of pearls which took place at Gulf of Mannar) of the Dutch, who provided the Englishman the sea passage to Batavia via Colombo.
The great prophesy by Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda
The construction of the Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) and Lohamaha pasada (Sinhala: Brazen Palace) commenced hot on the heels of construction of Mirisavetiya Stupa in Anuardhapura following an accidental discovery of a stone slab with an inscription, immediately after a magnificent ceremony held in veneration of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura. It revealed a prophesy made by none other than the great Buddhist missionary Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC): in the time to come, a great Stupa would be built by a great king at the location in Anuradhapura, where the stone slab is planted.
If you build, they will come, the resources.
It was hard times: the island nation had no surplus of resources following the long drawn out war to rescue the nation from Dravidian Invader Elara (205-161 BC) from Southern India, and then again subsequent to the construction of Mirisavetiya stupa (it took three years) and glorious nine story-one thousand chamber residence called Lohamaha pasada for the Buddhist monks. But then, if you build, they will come. And they came, the resources. Devo wassatu kalena, sabbha sampatthi siddhiya (Pali: In the times of gods, all treasures abound, & prosperity looms high).
Mahawamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka narrates the discoveries of gold, copper, Silver, gems and pearls in all four corners of the island.
To the westward of the capital, at the distance of five yojanas, at the Uruvelpattana, pearls of the size of “nelli” fruit, together with coral beads, rose to the shores from ocean. Some fishermen seeing these, gathering them into one heap, and taking (some of) the pearls and coral in a dish, and repairing to the king, reported the even to him.
The Mahavansa in two parts. The Translation of the first part by George Turnour, C.C.S. (year 1837), The Translation of the second part by L. C. Wijesinha, Mudaliyar (year 1889), G. J. A. Skeen, Government printer, Colombo, Ceylon. 1996 reprint by Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, ISBN 81-206-1155-1
The trading of Pearls in Sri Lanka runs as far back to the Phoenicians, who traded in the island for Pearls. The dominance of the Arabs in the pearl trade in the Gulf of Mannar from the 7th to 15th centuries AD was followed by the Portuguese. The Portuguese (1505-1640 AD), the first Europeans to set foot in Sri Lanka derived a considerable revenue from Ceylon Pearl fishing in the Gulf of Mannar, north east of Sri Lanka. So did the Dutch (1640-1796) who ousted the Portuguese from the island by military power, secured power in some of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and seized upon then enormously profitable Pearl fishery. And then did the British (1796-1948), who forced out the Dutch by intrigue. Robert Knox, a British prisoner (1659-1679) escaping from Kandy found his way to the Fort at Mannar called Arrepa (meaning a sieve, and supposed to derive its name from sifting of pearls which took place at Gulf of Mannar) of the Dutch, who provided the Englishman the sea passage to Batavia via Colombo.
In
a northerly direction from the city, at a distance of seven yojans, in a
cave opening on the Pelivapikagama- tank, above on the sand, four
splendid gems had formed in size like to a small mill-stone, in colour
like flax-flowers, (radiantly) beautiful. When a hunter with his dogs
saw these he came to the king, and told him: ‘I have seen precious
stones of such and such kind.
Mahavamsa, The Great Chronicle of Ceylon, Wilhelm Geiger, Ph. D. year 1912, Great Britain, Reprint 2003 by Buddhist Cultural Center, Dehiwala (immediately north of Mount Lavinia), Sri Lanka, ISBN 955-8540-83-8
Flax flowers were known in the ancient times for their color: deep blue. The world renowned Ceylon sapphires of Sri Lanka too are of deep blue or much desired cornflower Blue. The district of Ratnapura (Sinhala: city of gems) has been one of the major source of gems in the world since the biblical era of King Solomon, who wooed Queen Sheba with a jewel imported from Sri Lanka. Coming to the modern day, a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka is the central stone of the diamond and gold engagement ring given to Kate Middleton by Prince William in November 2010. The famous ring was chosen by Lady Diana Spencer, who was to become Princess of Wales’, for her engagement to Prince Charles from a selection presented to her by the then Crown jewelers Garrard of Mayfair in London in the year 1981. Ratnapura's famous sapphires in a wide range of colours - white, yellow, pink, orange, purple & blue marketed by the brand name of Ceylon Sapphires have no rivals.
Mahavamsa, The Great Chronicle of Ceylon, Wilhelm Geiger, Ph. D. year 1912, Great Britain, Reprint 2003 by Buddhist Cultural Center, Dehiwala (immediately north of Mount Lavinia), Sri Lanka, ISBN 955-8540-83-8
Flax flowers were known in the ancient times for their color: deep blue. The world renowned Ceylon sapphires of Sri Lanka too are of deep blue or much desired cornflower Blue. The district of Ratnapura (Sinhala: city of gems) has been one of the major source of gems in the world since the biblical era of King Solomon, who wooed Queen Sheba with a jewel imported from Sri Lanka. Coming to the modern day, a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka is the central stone of the diamond and gold engagement ring given to Kate Middleton by Prince William in November 2010. The famous ring was chosen by Lady Diana Spencer, who was to become Princess of Wales’, for her engagement to Prince Charles from a selection presented to her by the then Crown jewelers Garrard of Mayfair in London in the year 1981. Ratnapura's famous sapphires in a wide range of colours - white, yellow, pink, orange, purple & blue marketed by the brand name of Ceylon Sapphires have no rivals.
In
the north-eastern region from the city, at a distance of three yojanas,
in the village of Acaravitthi on a plain of sixteen karisas, there
arose nuggets of gold of various sizes-the largest measuring a span, and
the smallest a finger’s breadth, the inhabitants of the village saw the
earth full of gold; taking a bowl of gold, they went and informed the
king.
Mahavamsa, The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka Chapters 1 to 31, An annotated new translation with Prolegomena by Dr. Ananda W. P. Gururge. 1989, S. Godage & Brothers, Colombo, Sri Lanka, ISBN -955-20-8963-8
Mahavamsa, The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka Chapters 1 to 31, An annotated new translation with Prolegomena by Dr. Ananda W. P. Gururge. 1989, S. Godage & Brothers, Colombo, Sri Lanka, ISBN -955-20-8963-8
In the region four yojanas to the southeast of Anuradhapura, in the
village of Sumanavapi, many gems rose from the earth. The villagers took
them, mixed with jade and quartz in a bowl and informed the king.
In the southern direction from the city, at a distance of eight yojanas
in Ambatthakola Cave, silver appeared. The people informed the king.
The Mahavamsa, the Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka, Mahanama Thera. Modern text and historical commentary by Douglas Bullis, year 2005, Asian Humanities Press, USA, ISBN 955-1266-09-9
The location mentioned as Ambatthakola Cave above is Ridivihara Buddhist Temple at the village of Ridigama (Sinhala: the village of Silver)
The Mahavamsa, the Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka, Mahanama Thera. Modern text and historical commentary by Douglas Bullis, year 2005, Asian Humanities Press, USA, ISBN 955-1266-09-9
The location mentioned as Ambatthakola Cave above is Ridivihara Buddhist Temple at the village of Ridigama (Sinhala: the village of Silver)
If you build, they will come, the devotees.
The reasons behind the unparalleled adoration and veneration of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) have been numerous.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa’s popularity, first and foremost, owes to a great extent, to its peerless builder: King Dutugamunu, the Hero of the Nation, the son of the Heroine of the Nation Queen Vihara Maha Devi (daughter of King Kelanitissa of Kelaniya, Colombo and King Kawantissa of Ruhuna.
The reasons behind the unparalleled adoration and veneration of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) have been numerous.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa’s popularity, first and foremost, owes to a great extent, to its peerless builder: King Dutugamunu, the Hero of the Nation, the son of the Heroine of the Nation Queen Vihara Maha Devi (daughter of King Kelanitissa of Kelaniya, Colombo and King Kawantissa of Ruhuna.
Secondly, Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa)
was the realization of a prophesy made by non other than Maha Thera
Mahinda, the most illustrious Buddhist missionary sent to Sri Lanka by
Mauryan Emperor Asoka (Sanskrit: painless, without sorrow) (304–232 BC)
of India, the greatest emperor ever in the history.
Thirdly, the historical record on the construction of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) in Mahavamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka
was of such glory, it has never failed to appeal to the very heart of
the Sinhalese Buddhist population of the island in many aspects: the
manner in which the Buddha’s relics were secured by the ascetic
Sonuttara; the acquisition of materials, i.e. gold, copper and silver;
King Dutugemunu’s unparalleled generosity in daily wages and gifts to
the workmen throughout the days of the construction; the welfare
facilities afforded by the king to all the workmen ranging from
Engineers, architects, artisans, craftsmen, bricklayers and common
workmen; the manner in which the tamed elephants including the royal
battle elephant Kandula were harnessed for heavy labor in construction;
the invitation to the whole populace, all the people in every walk of
life to enshrine relics according to their means; the death of the
heroic and pious king by the side of the stupa prior to its completion.
From Rainwater reservoir to temple & then to dagoba.
While Sri Lanka's irrigation network formed the basis for a thriving economy with a large agricultural surplus that sustained a vibrant Aryan Sinhalese civilization, Buddhism gave that civilization dignity and elegance. It inspired the architectural and sculptural splendors of ancient Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were transformed into bejeweled testaments to the wealth and refinement of Sri Lanka's ancient Aryan Sinhalese Buddhist civilization.
While Sri Lanka's irrigation network formed the basis for a thriving economy with a large agricultural surplus that sustained a vibrant Aryan Sinhalese civilization, Buddhism gave that civilization dignity and elegance. It inspired the architectural and sculptural splendors of ancient Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were transformed into bejeweled testaments to the wealth and refinement of Sri Lanka's ancient Aryan Sinhalese Buddhist civilization.
Glorious Anuradhapura of Sri Lanka Holidays
awed visitors with its magnificent stupas. The stupa or dagaba, an
architectural innovation imported from northern India usually enshrined
sacred relics of Buddha and other celebrated illuminati of early
Buddhism. That makes them objects of veneration even today. These solid
hemispherical domes provided a subdued but effective expression of the
quintessence of Buddhism. In spite of the imposing size of the stupas,
they blend simplicity with serenity.
To house the relics of the Buddha & the Arahat disciples, stupas were built. And why shouldn't we commence with the crowning achievement of the most illustrious king of Lanka, the great benefactor of Lanka, the hero of the nation, King Dutugamunu of Ruhuna (161-137 BC). Towering at 338 feet, the wondrous Stupa, Ruwanweliseya at Anuradhapura located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka Holidays, is one of the world's major archaeological sites.
Stone tablet laid courtyard.
Through one of the frontpieces (Vahalkadas), we enter into the stone tablet laid courtyard (Salapatala). We take few steps down to arrive at the compound made of Sand (Valimaluwa). On the four sides of the compound are whitewashed perimeter parapet walls with an army of 1900 life size sculpted elephants in low relief, now renovated, standing ear to ear are 475 elephants on each side. Elephant, whose association with the civilization of the Aryan Sinhalese dated back to 1st century BC had been recorded on an inscription at Navalarkulama in Panampattu in the East of Lanka, was afforded the highest honor & complete protection by the ancient royal decree of the Sinhalese. The Elephant had been the bulldozer & bulldog of ancient Lanka.
Through one of the frontpieces (Vahalkadas), we enter into the stone tablet laid courtyard (Salapatala). We take few steps down to arrive at the compound made of Sand (Valimaluwa). On the four sides of the compound are whitewashed perimeter parapet walls with an army of 1900 life size sculpted elephants in low relief, now renovated, standing ear to ear are 475 elephants on each side. Elephant, whose association with the civilization of the Aryan Sinhalese dated back to 1st century BC had been recorded on an inscription at Navalarkulama in Panampattu in the East of Lanka, was afforded the highest honor & complete protection by the ancient royal decree of the Sinhalese. The Elephant had been the bulldozer & bulldog of ancient Lanka.
Models
In the temple courtyard are the old models of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa), made of stone, a statue of King Dutugemunu worshipping the dagoba. In the image house are 4 statues of the Buddhas who have attained Buddhahood in this aeon (kalpa) & future Buddha Maitri. All these creations are very old.
In the temple courtyard are the old models of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa), made of stone, a statue of King Dutugemunu worshipping the dagoba. In the image house are 4 statues of the Buddhas who have attained Buddhahood in this aeon (kalpa) & future Buddha Maitri. All these creations are very old.
Inspiration from a bubble of air floating on water
Much restored, the great dome, painted a gleaming white is busy with pilgrims throughout the day and evening on any day of the year. It is recorded the Hero of the Nation, King Dutugamunu was inspired by seeing a bubble of air floating on water shown to him by the architect, with reference to the matter of design. In spite of the height of 338 feet & thousands of tons of bricks, the attempt has been a success: all you see is the skin of white paint that seems to envelope a pocket of air. The crest gem on the pinnacle of Ruwanweliseya Stupa is a gift from Burma. Within the dome in a closed chamber are enshrined sacred relics of Buddha, valuable gems, statues made of gold & various valuable objects.
Much restored, the great dome, painted a gleaming white is busy with pilgrims throughout the day and evening on any day of the year. It is recorded the Hero of the Nation, King Dutugamunu was inspired by seeing a bubble of air floating on water shown to him by the architect, with reference to the matter of design. In spite of the height of 338 feet & thousands of tons of bricks, the attempt has been a success: all you see is the skin of white paint that seems to envelope a pocket of air. The crest gem on the pinnacle of Ruwanweliseya Stupa is a gift from Burma. Within the dome in a closed chamber are enshrined sacred relics of Buddha, valuable gems, statues made of gold & various valuable objects.
The pioneering innovator in fair compensation on labor
King Dutugamunu wasn’t merely a great king. He was and is the Hero of the Nation. He was most possibly, a pioneering innovator in fair compensation on labor secured, and a pioneer in the extension of welfare facilities to the labor force.
The king announced, “No work should be done here without wages”. At
each gate, he arranged to be placed sixteen hundred thousand Kahapanas
(metal coins of value that can be bartered), many garments, various
ornaments, soft and hard food, with beverages, perfumes, garlands,
molasses, etc. and five kinds of mouth-fresheners, saying “let one work
as one desires and take them as one desires.” Royal Officers inspected
accordingly and gave. The construction of stupa was enormous: for the
labor alone 6.4 million in coins alone were paid out.
Ruwanweliseya, the third largest stupa of Sri Lanka
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) towering at a height of 338 feet (with pinnacle; and 278 ft without pinnacle, with chatra), covering an area over an acre and a half with the diameter of the dome at the base being 294 feet is today the third largest ancient stupa of Sri Lanka. At the time of its construction, the third largest building in the world, Ruwanweliseya dwarfed the Sanchi Stupa (60 ft in height) in India, the largest stupa in the same class and same age. Ruwanweliseya, the largest stupa in the island for 250 years since its construction, was bettered in size by Abhayagiri stupa (370ft) in 88 BC and then again by Jetawana Stupa (400ft) in 276 AD also of Anuradhapura.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) towering at a height of 338 feet (with pinnacle; and 278 ft without pinnacle, with chatra), covering an area over an acre and a half with the diameter of the dome at the base being 294 feet is today the third largest ancient stupa of Sri Lanka. At the time of its construction, the third largest building in the world, Ruwanweliseya dwarfed the Sanchi Stupa (60 ft in height) in India, the largest stupa in the same class and same age. Ruwanweliseya, the largest stupa in the island for 250 years since its construction, was bettered in size by Abhayagiri stupa (370ft) in 88 BC and then again by Jetawana Stupa (400ft) in 276 AD also of Anuradhapura.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa was the center of attraction of Maha Vihara monastery of Anuradhapura, the largest monastic city of the world then. Fa Hsien (Fa Hian), the zealous Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, who visited Anuradhapura
in 412 AD, in his records narrated the magnificence of the Buddhist
monuments. Fa Hsien was also greatly excited to see that Maha Vihara
(Sinhala: Great Buddhist Monastery) at Anuradhapura sheltered and fed no
less than 5000 Buddhist monks and a rock monastery (probably Mihintale) another 2000.
The renovation of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa)
The tradition set upon in Sri Lanka by King Dutugamunu(161-137 BC), inspired his successors, in the centuries to come. The great stupas would be built and the older stupas would be renovated by the kings of Lanka. Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) had been renovated several times by a succession of Sinhalese kings till King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). However, the recurrent Dravidian invasions from Southern India resulted in the decline of Anuradhapura. By the 19th century, Anuradhapura (437 BC-845 AD), once the greatest monastic city of the world, also named Anurogrammon, by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD) was deserted; Ruwanweliseya was in ruins.
The tradition set upon in Sri Lanka by King Dutugamunu(161-137 BC), inspired his successors, in the centuries to come. The great stupas would be built and the older stupas would be renovated by the kings of Lanka. Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) had been renovated several times by a succession of Sinhalese kings till King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). However, the recurrent Dravidian invasions from Southern India resulted in the decline of Anuradhapura. By the 19th century, Anuradhapura (437 BC-845 AD), once the greatest monastic city of the world, also named Anurogrammon, by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD) was deserted; Ruwanweliseya was in ruins.
But then Anuradhapura
wouldn’t be buried and forgotten. The destiny of the nation was already
prophesied. The Island of Sri Lanka and Buddhism is destined to witness
the arrival of next Buddha, Maithree Buddha 5000 years into the future
of Gautama Buddha (623-543 BC).
For the renewed glory of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa),
a man arose in time. In the year 1893, a patriotic and pious Buddhist
monk called Naranvita Sumanasara Thera of Siyam Nikaya, steeped in the
history of the island and well versed in the doctrine of Buddhism
harnessed the support of the peasants in and around the great stupa in
Anuradhapura. They all came and took upon themselves to engage in the
Herculean task of renovation of Ruwanweliseya Stupa. They came, they saw and they rebuild Ruwanweliseya Stupa.
The community of devotees resulted in forming a society called
Ratnamali Chaityawardhana (Sinhala: Ratnamali Stupa Development)
Society. Illustrious Anagarika (Sanskrit: homeless one), Dharmapala
(1864 - 1933) and illustrious Brahmachchari (Sanskrit: living in strict
celibacy) and Walisinghe Harischandra (Edward De Silva) (1876 - 1913)
made tremendous contributions to maintain the sanctity of the area
around Ruwanweliseya which was subjected to the unholy encroachment. Eventually, those great patriots succeeded in having Anuradhapura declared a holy city by the British colonial government (1805-1948) of Ceylon.
Maintenance of Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa)
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) in Anuradhapura of Sri Lanka Holidays is the most well maintained ancient great stupa of Sri Lanka. It is repainted with traditional white wash called Sudu Hunu, a plaster made of Quicklime or shell-lime mixed with salt (anti fouling chunam) every year in preparation of Buddhist celebrations on Poson Poya (Sinhala: full moon day) of Sri Lanka Holidays in the month of June commemorating the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (Sinhala: dear to the gods) (250-210 BC).
Ruwanweliseya Stupa (Ruwanveli Seya Stupa) in Anuradhapura of Sri Lanka Holidays is the most well maintained ancient great stupa of Sri Lanka. It is repainted with traditional white wash called Sudu Hunu, a plaster made of Quicklime or shell-lime mixed with salt (anti fouling chunam) every year in preparation of Buddhist celebrations on Poson Poya (Sinhala: full moon day) of Sri Lanka Holidays in the month of June commemorating the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (Sinhala: dear to the gods) (250-210 BC).
Ruwanweliseya
Ruwnaweliseya is the third largest stupa in Anuradhapura
whereas the first is Thuparamaya. It is considered as one of the
Solosmasthana (16 places of veneration) built by the Great King
Dutugemunu in 140 B.C. King King Dutugemunu was the first ever king who
centralized the whole country under his hand. After winning a long
lasted battle with Chola King Elara he united Sri Lanka. The stupa is
designed with a shape of a water bubble.
King Dutugemunu began to built this monument on a Vesak Full moon Poya day on the month of May. It is said that, the area was leveled , then the round stones were placed and stamped by the elephants.
King Dutugemunu began to built this monument on a Vesak Full moon Poya day on the month of May. It is said that, the area was leveled , then the round stones were placed and stamped by the elephants.
According to the Bhikku notices King Durtugemunu imported
fine clay from Himalayn mountains for the construction. After that the
bricks were placed and bounded with a pulp of with Crushed Dolomite,
sieved sand and the clay which supported to stop the movements within
the structure. King Dutugemunu arranged to place the foundation stone on
a Asala Poya day (Full moon pya day of the month of July). King
dutugemunu had placed 8 golden pots, hundred and eight vases around them
Eight golden and silver biscuits were placed at 8 corners in the Stupa.
King Dutugemunu also enriched the stipa with gifted relics of Lord
Buddha in a relic chamber inside the Ruwanweli maha seya. Arahants
determined not to hand over the relics to enemies. In the same occasion
all the arahants and people were addressed with a Dhamma talk by the
great Arahant Piyadassi. Significantly it made 40000 arahants , 40000
sotapatti pala,1000 of sakurdagami and 1000 of anagami having heard of
it.
The workers were paid with salaries, food and clothing. A beautiful Ruby is at the top of the kotha and replaced on a rock crystal which is 60 cm high and donated by Burumese.
King Dutugemunu ruled Sri Lanka for 24 years. Unfortunately he had to die wheraeas the great stupa was not fully completed, under the chorus of protective sutras of arahants and looking at the Ruwan weli maha Seya. Rest of the construction was carried out by his brother King Sadhdhatissa. It is believed that the King Dutugemunu was born at Thusitha heaven due to the great service done on behalf of his sacrifice for Buddhism.
Ruwnaweli maha seya may second in priority just because of Jaya sri Maha Bodhi as it is more sacred.
The workers were paid with salaries, food and clothing. A beautiful Ruby is at the top of the kotha and replaced on a rock crystal which is 60 cm high and donated by Burumese.
King Dutugemunu ruled Sri Lanka for 24 years. Unfortunately he had to die wheraeas the great stupa was not fully completed, under the chorus of protective sutras of arahants and looking at the Ruwan weli maha Seya. Rest of the construction was carried out by his brother King Sadhdhatissa. It is believed that the King Dutugemunu was born at Thusitha heaven due to the great service done on behalf of his sacrifice for Buddhism.
Ruwnaweli maha seya may second in priority just because of Jaya sri Maha Bodhi as it is more sacred.
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