Thuparamaya temple is the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, and it dates back to the 3rd century BC. The original temple was built by King Devanampiyatissa, who ruled during the Anuradhapura Kingdom. According to local legend, the Thuparamaya Temple was built over a relic casket that contained an actual tooth of the Buddha.

The temple is believed to be the place where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka. This important event is celebrated every year as 'Poson Poya' or the ‘festival of lights’. It was also during this time that Sri Lankan Buddhism was developed and evolved as a separate school of Buddhism.

Over the centuries, the temple has been destroyed several times due to natural disasters and invasions but has been continuously restored and maintained. Today, the temple is considered to be a highly important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.

It is also home to many ancient artifacts and sculptures, making it an important site for Buddhist art and culture.

Thuparamaya Stupa
The oldest stupa in Sri Lanka - Thuparamaya

The temple is divided into two parts – the outer courtyard, called the Vahalkada, and the inner shrine, which houses the dagoba, a large stupa. The Vahalkada is an open courtyard with two entrances, while the inner shrine is a large walled enclosure that houses the sacred dagoba.

The temple complex consists of several buildings and structures, including a chapter house, a bell tower, a vihare (monastery) and an image house where Buddha statues are kept. The main hall is decorated with intricate carvings depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha.

And there was a stone made structure around the stupa called 'Watadageya'. But the watadageya had been destroyed by the centuries. Now you can only see the tall stone pillars as the ruins of the ancienst majesty.  

The dagoba itself is a large stupa that stands as a symbol of peace and harmony. But to be honest Thuparamaya is not so big with comparing the other stupas in Anuradhapura. It is said to contain relics of the Buddha. The dagoba is surrounded by a walkway with various other stupas and monuments.

The Thuparamaya Temple is an example of the Dravidian style of architecture, which is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka from southern India. This style of architecture has been used since the 3rd century BC, and is characterized by its stone-built, multi-leveled structures.

The most noticeable features of the Thuparamaya Temple are the three large dagobas (stupas) situated in its center. The tallest one is called the Thuparama Dagoba, and it is said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. It stands 45 feet tall, and has a brick wall surrounding it which dates back to the 5th century AD.

The temple also contains two other important structures: a Vihara (a monastery) and an Uposathagara (assembly hall). The Vihara was used as a place of residence for Buddhist monks, and contained their cells, eating halls and prayer halls. The Uposathagara was a large hall where monks would gather to meditate and teach.

Thuparamaya Stupa in Anuradhapura
Ruins of Watadageya


Other impressive aspects of the Thuparamaya Temple's architecture include its intricately carved walls and pillars. Many of these carvings depict scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha and from Buddhist mythology. The interiors of the temple are equally impressive, adorned with religious artworks and sculptures. In addition to these, there are also many other works of art located around the complex, including murals and ancient inscriptions. 

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Visitors can take part in religious ceremonies and visit the various buildings and structures around the complex. There is also a gift shop at the entrance where souvenirs can be purchased. Thuparamaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must visit divine destination in Anuradhapura.