Thuparamaya - Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

Place of Thuparamaya
Distric :- Anuradhapura
Province :- North central province
Country :- Sri Lanka

 Thuparamaya
This stupa is situated about 400 yards north of the Ruvanveliseya and close to the Basawakkulama tank. According to details given in the chronicle Maha Vamsa, reveals that the stupa was constructed by King Pandukabhaya, replacing a temple dedicated to the " Yakkhu" Maheja. King Devanam Piya Tissa has built this as the first Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka by enshrining the relics of Lord Buddha and the stupa has been construted in accordance with the shape of a corn. Subsequently King Vasabha (67-111 A.D.) has covered the chamber of the " stupa" with a stone wall. King Gotabhaya (249-263 A.D.) has built a relic chamber and various other kings have renovated the stupa. Thuparamaya was destroyed during the chola invasions of the 10th century. Subsequently King Parakramabahu the Great (1153- 1186 A.D.), has renovated it. As a result of the renovation works carried our of in 1842, the stupa has taken the shape of a bell. This is a protected archaeologicle heritage site.