Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura Kingdom

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Lankaramaya is an ancient temple that once formed part of the larger Abhayagiri Monastic Complex in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital. Despite its architectural significance, very little is definitively known about its origins, and the available historical references are both limited and conflicting.

Origins of Lankaramaya

In a paper published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (1851–52), Captain Chapman suggests that Lankaramaya was built by King Abha Sen, or Tissa, who began his reign in 236 CE. In contrast, Major Forbes, in his book Eleven Years in Ceylon, attributes its construction to King Mahasen, who ruled between 276 and 303 CE. However, no reliance can, however, be placed on either of these statements, as, besides being at variance, they are unsupported by evidence of their accuracy (Smither and Wikramagamage, 1993).

According to Anuradha Seneviratna, this stupa was built in the 1st century BCE by King Vattagamini Abaya (Walagamba). The ancient name of this temple is “Silasobbha Khandaka Cetiya”. After the defeat by the Tamil invaders in the same year he came to the throne, King Walagamba (103 BCE) had hidden in a place called “Silasobbha Khandaka” and after defeating the Tamils and regaining the throne, he built this stupa by the same name (Seneviratna, 1994).

Lankaramaya seems to have had another name in the past. It is possible this was the Manisomaramaya named in honor of Queen Somadevi of Vattagamini Abaya. History records King Kanitta Tissa (164-192 CE) added to it a great Parivena as well as a cetiyaghara (vatadage), and later King Gotabhaya (253-266 CE) restored the Vatadage and uposthaghara. Manisomaramaya is considered the Bhikkuni Aramaya of Abhayagri Monastery, like Thuparamaya was the Bhikkuni Aramaya of Maha Viahraya (Seneviratna, 1994).

Although Lankaramaya is not listed among the buildings restored by ancient kings in the Mahavamsa, there is compelling reason to believe that a very ancient and sacred stupa once stood on this site.

According to a long-held tradition recorded in a relatively modern work titled Heladiv Rajaniya, published in 1853 by John Perera, Lankaramaya is believed to enshrine corporeal relics of the Buddha himself—specifically, three small bone fragments. These relics are known by the sacred names mumpiyali, kada hal, and aba. The first is described as being the size of half a green gram and shining like gold; the second is white and glows like a pearl; and the third, also white, is shaped like a jasmine flower and is said to possess the flower’s fragrance. These relics were reportedly enclosed in a golden reliquary and placed within the stupa. It is believed that the original structure built to house these relics was quite small and, in accordance with ancient tradition, was gradually enlarged through successive encasements. This practice of expanding stupas over time helps explain the current dimensions of Lankaramaya and supports the notion of its early sanctity, even though it is not explicitly documented in the traditional chronicles (Smither and Wikramagamage, 1993).

Given the close architectural resemblance between Lankaramaya and Thuparamaya—the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism in 307 BCE—it is highly likely that Lankaramaya was built during the same early period. The structural similarities suggest a shared architectural tradition rooted in the early Buddhist era. Furthermore, the positioning of Lankaramaya among the most revered stupas in Anuradhapura indicates that it likely held a level of religious importance comparable to the other major sacred monuments of the time (Smither and Wikramagamage, 1993).

Lankaramaya Today

The stupa at Lankaramaya, as it stands today, has a circumference of 36.5 meters and is set upon a 10-foot-high circular platform with a circumference of 126 meters. Four stairways—one from each cardinal direction—provide access to the terrace, where four vahalkadas (frontispieces) once marked each entrance, though none of these now remain.

Adjacent to the eastern stairway is a stone tub, which would have been used by pilgrims to wash their feet before stepping onto the sacred platform. Scattered around the site are a number of damaged Buddha statues, remnants of its ancient religious significance (Seneviratna, 1994).

One of the most striking features of the site was its once-impressive vatadage (circular relic house) that surrounded the stupa. Although only a few of the slender, upright stone pillars survive today, early 19th-century photographs show that the structure was once encircled by a dense forest of pillars, forming a magnificent architectural ensemble.

There are indications that 88 stone columns stood in three concentric circles—with 20, 28, and 30 pillars, respectively—supporting the vatadage’s roof. Many of the pillar capitals were intricately carved, featuring lion and goose motifs, showcasing the high level of artistry of the time. Near the southeastern side of the stupa, a finely carved stone water pipe, shaped like a mythical beast, still survives. (Burrows, 1894).

The best example of this vatadage architecture can be seen in Madirigiriya.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com

Lankaramaya before restoration – photo taken on late 1800′s or early 1900′s

References

Burrows, S., 1894. The Buried Cities of Ceylon : A Guidebook for Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with Chapters on Dambulla, Kalawewa, Mihintale, and Sigiri. 2nd ed. Colombo: J. Ferguson, pp.65-67.
H.E. Weerasooriya, 1939. Historical guide to Anuradhapura’s ruins. Colombo: W.E. Bastian.
Seneviratna, A., 1994. Ancient Anuradhapura. 1st ed. Colombo: Archaeological Survey Department, Sri Lanka, pp 178-180.
Smither, J. and Wikramagamage, C., 1993. Architectural Remains, Anurádhapura, Ceylon; comprising the dágabas and certain other ancient ruined structures. Measured, drawn and described by J.G. Smither. 2nd ed. (revised) Colombo: Academy of Sri Lankan Culture, pp.19-24.
Wikramagamage, C., 2004. Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.106.
Fergusson, J., Burgess, J. and Spiers, P., 1910. History of Indian and Eastern Architecture Vol 1. 2nd ed. London: John Murray, pp.235-237.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Map of Lankaramaya at Anuradhapura Kingdom

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura Kingdom

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps