Attraction

Lovamahapaya in Anuradhapura

The Lovamahapaya – also called the Brazen Palace of Sri Lanka – was a massive building that once stood proudly amidst the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Even though now only its ruins remain, it still makes for a spectacular sight and draws in visitors of all kinds every single day!

King Devanampiyatissa – the first Buddhist King of Sri Lanka – constructed a chapter house with the guidance of the Mahinda Thera who had brought Buddhism to the island. This site would later be renovated and expanded upon by King Dutugemunu as he constructed a massive complex that provided a haven for hundreds of monks at the time.

During its heyday, the Lovamahapaya was said to be a structure that was nine stories high – an impressive feat of construction for ancient times. The building was held together by a series of 1600 pillars, all standing erect next to each other. It’s these pillars that can still be seen at the site today. In total, there were an estimated 1000 rooms in the complex and it is said the walls were adorned with coral and special stones. All in all, it would have made for quite the spectacular sight indeed. The Lovamahapaya derives its name from bronze tiles that supposedly adorned the structure’s roof.

The Brazen Palace did not stand for too long after its construction, however, and it is believed to have been destroyed during the reign of King Sadhatiissa – King Dutugemunu’s brother and successor. Other Sri Lankan Kings attempted to renovate the site during their reigns, most notably King Parakramabahu the Great who added a number of additional pillars.

Nowadays, most Buddhist pilgrims will make a visit to the ruins of the Brazen Palace as they travel from the Ruvanvelisaya Dagaba to the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. If you’re travelling through Anuradhapura and taking in all the cultural sights, be sure to stop by here as well.

From Colombo
201 km
Time Duration
3 h 58 min
Entrance Ticket
No

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