Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to stand in front of one of the tallest ancient buildings in the world? Picture a huge structure that could even compare with the great pyramids of Egypt!
Welcome to Jetavanaramaya, an incredible stupa in Sri Lanka that shows off human skill, strong beliefs, and the rich history of an old civilization.
Jetavanaramaya isn’t just a monument; visiting it feels like going back in time. This giant brick structure was built over 1,800 years ago in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It holds stories about kings, monks, and a society that valued peace and knowledge.
Whether you love history, cool buildings, or the quiet feeling of spiritual places, this site is something you’ll find amazing.
Are you ready to learn more about the wonders of Jetavanaramaya? Let’s find out why this stupa is so special and why you should see it if you love adventure or history!
What is Jetavanaramaya?
Jetavanaramaya is one of the biggest stupas in the world. A stupa is a dome-shaped building used in Buddhism for worship and meditation. What makes this one special is that it’s made completely out of bricks! It was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE.
When it was first built, Jetavanaramaya was about 122 meters (400 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world.
Over time, natural wear and other factors caused it to shrink, and now it stands at about 71 meters (233 feet). Even so, it’s still one of the largest brick structures in the world.
The History of Jetavanaramaya
Jetavanaramaya is an incredible and huge stupa (a special Buddhist structure) in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It shows how talented the ancient builders of Sri Lanka were and is an important part of the country’s strong link to Buddhism.
How It Started and Was Built
King Mahasena began building Jetavanaramaya between 273 and 301 CE when he ruled Anuradhapura. At that time, there were disagreements between two main groups of Buddhists called Theravada and Mahayana.
The construction of Jetavanaramaya started after King Mahasena destroyed another important monastery called Mahaviharaya, which upset many people. One of the king’s ministers, Meghavanna, even tried to fight back. To help bring peace between the two groups, King Mahasena decided to build Jetavanaramaya as a symbol of unity.
It took about 15 years to build this enormous structure, using around 93 million bricks. When it was finished, Jetavanaramaya stood 122 meters (400 feet) tall, making it the tallest stupa in the world at that time. It was also the third tallest structure in the world, after the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Later Years and Repairs
Over time, Jetavanaramaya faced many challenges, such as damage from weather and people. King Parakramabahu I worked on fixing and restoring it in the 12th century to bring back its beauty.
In more recent times, efforts have been made to keep Jetavanaramaya in good condition and protect it as a part of Sri Lanka’s history. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by many people who want to see its amazing design and learn about its history.
Jetavanaramaya Today
Today, Jetavanaramaya is one of the best-preserved sites in Anuradhapura. It is still a sacred place for Buddhists and is an important symbol of Sri Lankan culture. Its huge and impressive structure is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or Buddhism.
Architectural Wonder
Jetavanaramaya is famous for its amazing design. It has a large, bell-shaped dome that stands for Buddhist beliefs about the universe and the journey to enlightenment. The base of the stupa is huge, covering about 233,000 square meters (2.5 million square feet), making it one of the biggest man-made buildings ever.
Around 93.3 million baked bricks were used to build Jetavanaramaya. The construction showed advanced building skills, such as:
Deep Foundation: Jetavanaramaya is built on a strong 8.5-meter-deep foundation that reaches solid rock.
Special Bricks: The bricks were made from a mix of clay and fine sand, which helped them hold up under the weight of the huge structure.
Ellipsoid Shape: The dome was made in a special ellipsoid shape to spread out the weight evenly. This made it possible to build such a large structure without it breaking.
Religious Importance of Jetavanaramaya
Jetavanaramaya is very important for religious reasons because it is believed to hold a special relic of the Buddha—a piece of his sash or belt. This makes it a popular place for Buddhists from all over the world to visit and pray. The stupa was once part of a bigger monastery where up to 10,000 monks lived, studied, and practiced their religion.
The Monastery Complex
Jetavanaramaya is part of the Jetavana Monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This ancient monastery was one of the three main monasteries in the area, along with Mahavihara and Abhayagiri Vihara.
Monastery Buildings: The complex has many buildings that monks used for meditation, studying, and living. These buildings were spread out over a large area.
Image Houses: There are image houses in the complex that hold statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Monks and visitors would go to these places to pray and think quietly.
Bodhi Tree Shrine: The monastery also has a Bodhi tree shrine. This tree is special because it is believed to come from the original Bodhi tree where the Buddha became enlightened.
Chapter House (Uposathagara): This building was used for important ceremonies, like reading the Patimokkha (the monks’ rules) and other group activities.
Alms Halls (Dana Salawa): These halls were where food was given to the monks, which was an important part of their daily life.
Meditation Paths (Cankamana): The complex has special paths for walking meditation, a practice that helps monks focus and find peace.
Historical Importance
The Jetavana Monastery was an important place for learning about Buddhism and practicing the faith. It was the main center for the Sagalika sect of Buddhism and played a big role in the religious and cultural life of ancient Sri Lanka. The monastery was built during a time when there were disagreements between different Buddhist groups, like Theravada and Mahayana.
In short, Jetavanaramaya is not just a stupa; it is an important part of the Jetavana Monastery, which helped spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka and was a center for learning and spiritual life for many years.
Visiting Jetavanaramaya
If you ever visit Sri Lanka, don’t miss Jetavanaramaya! It’s a peaceful and beautiful place surrounded by green trees and old ruins, perfect for exploring.
Here are some helpful tips if you plan to visit:
Location
Jetavanaramaya is in Anuradhapura, a city you can easily reach by bus or train from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
Opening Hours
The site is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Sometimes, special events might change the hours, so it’s good to check before you go.
Dress Code
Since it’s a sacred place, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. You’ll also need to take off your shoes before going near the stupa (the big dome).
Best Time to Visit
Visit between November and March. The weather is cooler and dry, which makes it a better time to enjoy your trip.
Photography
Bring your camera! The stupa looks amazing at sunrise or sunset, when the light is just perfect.
Other Amazing Places Near Jetavanaramaya
When you visit Jetavanaramaya, don’t forget to explore these nearby attractions:
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: This big white stupa is not far from Jetavanaramaya. Built by King Dutugemunu, it’s a symbol of faith and peace. It’s a great place for meditation.
Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Tree): This is one of the oldest trees in the world, planted over 2,300 years ago! It’s a special place for Buddhists because the tree grew from a cutting of the tree where Buddha got enlightenment.
Abhayagiri Monastery: This ancient site has a giant stupa called Abhayagiri Dagoba. Long ago, monks and scholars from around the world came here to study.
Isurumuniya Temple: This small rock temple is famous for its beautiful carvings, like the famous “Lovers’ Statue,” which tells an old Sri Lankan story.
Thuparamaya Dagoba: This is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, believed to hold a part of the Buddha’s collarbone. It’s an important place for Buddhists.
In short, Anuradhapura is not just about old buildings—it’s about history, culture, and peace. Walking around the ruins feels like going back in time to see how people lived over 1,000 years ago.
Where to Stay
There are places to stay for every budget:
Luxury Hotels: Stay at places like Heritage Hotel or Palm Garden Village for comfort and great service.
Mid-Range Hotels: Try Hotel Samanala or The Sanctuary at Tissawewa for a good balance of price and comfort.
Budget Guesthouses: For cheaper options, check out Sakura Guest House or Dewmini Roti Shop & Guest House.
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Final Thoughts
Jetavanaramaya and the nearby sites in Anuradhapura are full of history and spirituality. Visiting these places is like traveling back in time to see the amazing work of ancient people.
If you love history, enjoy exploring, or just want a peaceful experience, Anuradhapura will amaze you.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital and see the beauty of Jetavanaramaya for yourself!
FAQs:
1. What is Jetavanaramaya?
Jetavanaramaya is a large Buddhist stupa located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, built during the reign of King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE.
2. How tall is Jetavanaramaya?
Originally, Jetavanaramaya stood at approximately 122 meters (400 feet), making it one of the tallest stupas in the world.
3. What relic does Jetavanaramaya enshrine?
The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha—a piece of his sash or belt.
4. Are there any entrance fees to visit Jetavanaramaya?
Yes, the entrance fee for adults is approximately $30 and $15 for children. Discounts are available for SAARC nationals.
5. How can I get to Jetavanaramaya?
You can reach Jetavanaramaya by bus, taxi, or car from Anuradhapura city center.
6. Is there a museum at Jetavanaramaya?
Yes, there is a museum on-site that exhibits artifacts related to the history of the stupa and surrounding monastery.
7. Can I take photos at Jetavanaramaya?
Yes, photography is allowed; however, flash photography and tripods may be restricted to respect worshippers.
8. Is there a guided tour available at Jetavanaramaya?
Guided tours may be available through local tour operators for those interested in learning more about its history and significance.
9. What makes Anuradhapura special?
Anuradhapura is known for its rich history as an ancient capital of Sri Lanka filled with sacred sites and monuments related to Buddhism.