What is the massive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa?

The Ruwanwelisaya is a colossal, hemispherical Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura; its height is about 103 metres (338 feet), and that is why it remains among the most revered and architecturally important monuments in Sri Lanka. It was raised by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, and at that time it was counted among the loftiest monuments in the ancient world.

The whole structure is a very clean white dome, meant to stand for a water bubble, and it also carries the Buddhist idea of life being impermanent. In practice, it works as a huge reliquary, and people believe it holds a major share of the Buddha’s physical relics. Even now, it is still an active, thriving place of worship, where thousands of pilgrims come daily, wearing white clothing, chanting, and bringing lotus flowers as offerings.