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Mahiyangana Stupa

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description Mahiyangana Stupa Overview

The Mahiyangana Stupa in Sri Lanka is considered the country's first Buddhist stupa, built in the 6th century BCE to enshrine a hair relic of the Gautama Buddha.

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Why is Mahiyangana Stupa regarded as Sri Lanka's first stupa?

Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition connects it with the Buddha's first visit to the island and places its origin in the 6th century BCE. It is said to have begun as a small shrine built over a hair relic given to the local leader Sumana Saman.

What relic is believed to be inside Mahiyangana Stupa?

The earliest enshrined relic is traditionally identified as hair from Gautama Buddha. Later enlargements are also associated with additional relics, including the Buddha's collarbone.

Where is Mahiyangana Stupa located?

It stands at Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. The site lies near the Mahaweli River and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

Was the present Mahiyangana Stupa built all at once?

No. Tradition describes an initial small reliquary that was enlarged by successive patrons, including early Sri Lankan rulers, until it assumed a much larger stupa form.

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