Jethawanaramaya
About This Museum
So you're wandering through the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a place absolutely steeped in history, when this colossal brick dome just rises out of the landscape. It's the Jethawanaramaya stupa, and honestly, photos do not prepare you for its sheer scale—it feels like a man-made mountain. They built this thing back in the 3rd century, and walking around its massive white-washed base, you can't help but feel tiny. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the quiet murmur of pilgrims, making it a truly peaceful yet awe-inspiring spot.
Collection Highlights
The main event is the stupa itself, believed to enshrine a collar bone relic of the Buddha. Look for the beautifully carved stone moonstones and guard stones at its entrances, which are covered in intricate symbolic carvings of animals and gods.
Visitor Information
Remember to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and you'll need to take your shoes off before walking on the sacred ground around the stupa. It's located just off Watawandana Road and is part of the larger Anuradhapura World Heritage Site, so you'll likely need a cultural ticket to enter the area.
Architecture & Building
It's a classic example of an ancient Sinhalese stupa—a gigantic, perfectly hemispherical brick dome painted white, topped with a square spire and a crystal finial that catches the sun.
Contact & Location
Address: Jethawanaramaya Car Park, Wata Wandana Road, Shudda Nagaraya, Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura District, North Central Province, 50000, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 77 742 5085
