Historical photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries depict several large statues surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa. Among them are standing Buddha statues and two figures believed to represent ancient kings.
Many do not pay special attention to this pillar which is generally called “Dutugenumu Pillar” but the story behind this pillar is interesting as the construction of the Ruwanweli Seya itself. This pillar was installed by King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BCE) on the advice of Mihindu Maha Thero.
The stupa called Silachetiya (Sila Chetiya) is also known as Kujjatissa Stupa since this has been associated with a bikku by the same name who is said to have had miraculous powers.
An exquisitely carved unique pair of Balustrades (Korawakgal) in front of a building belonging to Thuparama Monastery not found anywhere in the Country. Unlike any other, side bas-reliefs are with a forest scene with thatched houses in between sylvan groves which all make separate divisions of the entire panel.
Thuparamaya Image House also know as Trident House or Dalada-Ge in the past is a unique construction as its magnificent pillar capitals are in the form of vajra or the Trident motif. The vajra is the symbols of knowledge that crushes the defilements of ignorance and passion so as though reveal the realty of Dhamma. .
The Chapter House of Thuparama is located to the South of the stupa. It is smaller in dimension than the Chapter House of the Mahavihara. However a feature common to both these buildings is the erection of pillars. This building is believed to have been built by king Bhathika Tissa (140-164 CE)
This Image House of Mahavihara Monastery of ancient Anuradhapura kingdom would have been a sight to behold with massive stone pillars with intrinsic carvings. Today these pillars lies fallen on its foundation near the Basawakkulama Wewa
The Refractory Hall (Alms Hall or Chatussala) has been built by king Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE. This has been restored by Vasabha in in the the 3rd century CE. This building corresponds with the Alms hall found at Mihintale for it has the same architectural design found here.
Yathuru Pokuna at Ruwanweli Maha Seya is quite large and made of stone blocks. Perfectly carved blocks of stones have been tightly fitted together to create the pond. The pond gradually enlarges itself from the bottom to the top. No historical information is found of the pond
Thuparamaya is Sri Lanka’s first stupa, built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine the Buddha’s right collarbone. Its unique bell shape and concentric granite pillars once supported a wooden Vatadage roof. This sacred site remains a pinnacle of early Buddhist architecture and devotion.
After bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC king Tissa received the Sri Maha Bodhi tree sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC making this tree 2272 year old (as in 2022).
About one hundred thirty meters to the east of Thuparama Dagoba lies a small stupa identified as the Sangamiththa Stupa. It is said in ancient chronicles that the king Uttiya enshrined the ashes of Arhath Sangamitta Theri to the east of the Thuparama stupa. Archaeologists believe that this is the stupa mentioned in the chronicles.
Mayura Pirivena in Anuradhapura is one of the primary learning centers belonging to the Maha Viharaya Aramic Complex during the Anuradhapura era. This Pirivena has been built by king Buddhadasa (340-368) according to ancient records.
According the Great Chronicle Mahavamsa, Buddha has placed his foot print at the site of Padalanchana Chethiya rising to the air to return to India after his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka.
According the brief description on the board by the Department of Archaeology, this building has been used as the meeting hall of the bikkhus of the Maha Viharaya. The body of the Maha Mahinda Thero has been kept here before cremation.
Ruwanweliseya was built by the great king Dutugamunu who reigned from 137BC to119BC. The original stupa has been about 180 feet (55 meters) in height and was renovated by many kings. The stupa is 350 feet (107 meters) in height and 300 feet (92 meters) in diameter today.
Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex. King Dutugamunu is the great king who defeated the Tamil invaders who ruled the country for 30 years and brought the country under one ruler.
The Lovamahapaya, or the Great Brazen Palace, stands as a testament to the architectural ambition of King Dutugemunu. Originally a nine-story monastery supported by 1,600 granite pillars, its roof was famously covered in bronze tiles.
