Buddhism is Sri Lanka’s official religion and over 70% of the nation’s population are Buddhists. Historical evidence state that Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka during the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa between 247 – 207 AD and the doctrines of the religion were preached to the king, by Mahinda Thera and his envoy sent to Sri Lanka by King Asoka. During his stay in the country, Mahinda Thera requested the King to construct a stupa and adhering to his request the King Built the Thuparamaya enshrining the right collar bone of Lord Buddha. The stupa was the first of its kind in the country and gradually as the word spread thousands of people started visiting the shrine creating a ripple that will revolutionise the island’s history.
For the next few hundred years, the site served as a significant establishment where monks were trained and sent around the island to teach the doctrines and spread the religion. Unfortunately, the site was destroyed several times due to foreign invasions but it was continuously renovated due to is religious significance. Today, though it has changed in terms of size and outlook the shrine retains that surreal aura and a spiritual ambience which prevailed during the time of its construction. It is still a major pilgrimage site and devotees from around the island visit here seeking blessings and for good fortune.
The site also features numerous ruins around the stupa which was once part of magnificent buildings, impressive courtyards, and palaces. Located just a 10-minute drive away from Anuradhapura, you can visit the site by a tuk-tuk. Upon visiting here be mindful to be dressed modestly covering your shoulders and knees since it is a sacred site. Also, the shrine will be crowded to the brim with pilgrims and devotees during auspicious days and on the normal days, with little or no people around the site you would have the site all to yourself to explore.
