Ruwanweli Maha Seya
The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 B.C., who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Dagaba.This is one of the Solosmasthana (the 16 places of veneration) and the Atamasthana (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa is one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at 338 feet (103 m) and with a circumference of 950 ft (290 m).The Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing, Myanmar is modeled after this stupa.MaterialsThe ancient texts recount the following:From the bank of the river Gambhīra, situated a yojana to the north of Anuradhapura bricks were acquired;From the village Avuruvini, situated three yojanas to the north-east, nuggets of gold were acquired;From the village Tambapittha, situated seven yojanas to the east, copper were acquired;From the village Samanveve, situated four yojanas to the south-east, gems were acquired;From the rock-cave Ridi, situated eight yojanas to the south, silver were acquired;From the small town Uruvel, situated five yojanas to the west, pearls and corals to the size of myrobalan fruits were acquired;From the village Pelavapi, situated seven yojanas to the north-east, four large gems were acquired.
