Stupas

Stupas in Sri Lanka, also known as dagabas or cetiyas, are significant architectural creations influenced by Buddhism. They are the largest brick structures from the pre-modern world. The first stupa in Sri Lanka, Mahiyangana Stupa, is believed to enshrine Buddha’s relics, while the first historical stupa, Thuparamaya, was built by King Devanampiya Tissa to house the Buddha's collarbone relic. Stupas typically consist of six main parts: Pesavalalu (terraces), Gharbaya (dome), Hatharas Kotuwa (relic chamber), Devatha Kotuwa (neck), Koth Kerella (spire), and Kotha (pinnacle). Some of the most famous stupas in Sri Lanka include Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Mirisaveti, built by King Dutugamunu and King Mahasena. These stupas symbolize Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and serve as places for relic enshrinement and veneration.