Thuparama

Thuparama was commissioned by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, making it the earliest Buddhist stupa constructed in Sri Lanka. It was built shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to the island by the missionary monk Mahinda, who was the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka.

Thuparama is believed to enshrine the right collarbone relic of the Buddha, given to King Devanampiya Tissa by the monk Mahinda. This makes it one of the most sacred relic sites in Sri Lankan Buddhism and a major pilgrimage destination.

Thuparama is located in the Mahameghavana garden in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which was the first capital of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains numerous other major stupas including Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri.

The current stupa has been extensively restored and reconstructed over the centuries, and today it features a distinctive vatadage—a circular ring of stone pillars surrounding the dome that once supported a wooden roof. The original 3rd-century BCE structure was likely smaller and simpler, with later kings adding the surrounding pillared enclosure.