RUWANWELISAYA

The Ruwanwelisaya (also written as Ruvanvalisaya) is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. Simply known also as the Great Stupa, the Ruvanvalisaya was constructed by Dutthagamani (Dutugemunu) after he became king in 161 BCE beating Chola King Ellalan. This was his most ambitious project and it is said that one of the architects designed the dome to resemble a bubble of milk. Sadly, the king did not live to see the completion of the stupa. When it was finally completed, it was one of the wonders of the ancient world, with a diameter of 90 meters at the base and a height of 92 meters (300 ft) and circumference of 292 meters (950 ft). The stupa is one of the world’s tallest monuments and was the fifth tallest structure of any kind when it was built in approximately 161 BCE.