Historical Origins and Significance

Construction was initiated by King Mahasena (r. 273–301 AD), a ruler whose legacy was initially marked by conflict with the orthodox Theravada monks of the Mahavihara monastery. Following a period of religious tension, the King built Jetavanaramaya as a gesture of reconciliation or redemption, dedicating it to the Sagalika sect. The project was completed by his son, King Maghavanna I (also known as Kithsirimevan).

The site holds immense spiritual weight as it is believed to be built over the cremation grounds of Mahinda Maha Thero, the Arahat who first brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the stupa is venerated for enshrining a sacred relic—a part of the belt (sash) worn by the Lord Buddha.

Architectural and Engineering Marvel

At the time of its completion, Jetavanaramaya was the tallest stupa in the world and the third-tallest man-made structure globally, surpassed only by the Great Pyramids of Giza.

• Original Height: Approximately 122 meters (400 feet).
• Current Height: Following centuries of natural wear and restoration, it stands at roughly 71 meters (233 feet).
• Material Scale: An estimated 93.3 million baked bricks were used in its construction. It is said that these bricks could build a three-meter high wall extending from London to Edinburgh.
• Engineering Ingenuity:
  • Foundation: To support the colossal weight, the foundation was dug 8.5 meters (28 feet) deep until it reached solid bedrock.
  • Brick Science: The bricks were composed of 60% fine sand and 35% clay, designed to withstand pressures of up to 44 kg/cm².
  • Resilience: The dome’s elliptical shape was a deliberate choice to distribute stress effectively, allowing it to remain stable despite its massive volume.
  • Plastering: The structure was originally covered in a specialized lime plaster mix containing seashells, egg whites, coconut water, and plant resins to provide waterproofing and protection from the elements.

The Surrounding Monastery Complex

Jetavanaramaya was more than a singular monument; it was the center of a sprawling monastic university that housed approximately 10,000 monks. Key surrounding features include:

• Image House (Patimaghara): The largest of its kind in Anuradhapura, featuring a massive monolithic door with pillars rising to 8.3 meters (27 feet). It once housed a colossal Buddha statue estimated to be over 11 meters tall.
• Refectory (Danasala): Ruins of a large rice boat indicate that thousands of monks were fed here simultaneously.
• Jetavana Museum: This onsite museum displays "The Jetavana Treasure," including gold plates inscribed with Mahayana sutras, Roman and Indian coins, and thousands of beads made of semi-precious stones, highlighting the monastery's historical role as a global center of trade and learning.

Visitor Information for 2026

As a highly sacred and active religious site, visitors are expected to follow specific protocols:

• Dress Code: Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is mandatory.
• Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the sacred compound. Because the stone floor can become extremely hot in the sun, many visitors recommend wearing thick socks or visiting during the cooler early morning or late evening hours.
• Accessibility: The site is easily reachable from Anuradhapura's city center. Tourists can purchase entrance tickets via the Central Cultural Fund portal, which grants access to the wider sacred city.