Thuparamaya
About This Museum
People come to Thuparamaya for a profound reason: to stand where Buddhism first took root in Sri Lanka. The centerpiece is this beautiful, gleaming white stupa that seems to glow against the blue sky, though you'd never guess its current form is a careful restoration from centuries of wear. Wandering around it, you're surrounded by concentric circles of stone pillars—all that remains of an ancient vatadage (a circular relic house) that once enclosed the shrine. It’s incredibly peaceful and humbling to be in a place of worship that has been active for over two millennia.
Collection Highlights
The main draw is the sacred stupa itself, which is said to enshrine the Buddha's collarbone relic. The most captivating features are the rings of gracefully carved granite pillars that stand like a silent forest around the dome.
Visitor Information
It's located in the sacred area of Anuradhapura, so you'll need to remove your shoes before walking on the sand-strewn path around the stupa—it can get hot, so plan accordingly!
Architecture & Building
The structure is a classic early stupa design, characterized by its dome-shaped mound. It's uniquely surrounded by the ruins of a circular pillared structure, which was a typical architectural feature for protecting sacred stupas in ancient Sri Lanka.
Contact & Location
Address: Thuparamaya car park, Thuparama Mawatha, Sunatha Camp Junction, Thisawewa, Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura District, North Central Province, 50000, Sri Lanka
Website: Visit Website
