Ruwanweli Maha Seya

 Not to mention that Ruwanweli Seya, which shines brightly in the sky of Rajarata, is the most revered dagoba in our country.  Thuparamaya in Anuradhapura Sacred City, Shnari Maha Bodhi, Basawakkulama Wewa etc.  Ruwanweli Seya is also known as “Ruwanmali Seya”, Mahathupaya and Swarnamali Maha Chaitya.

 During the reign of King Dutugemunu, when the stupa was to be constructed, there was a palm tree on the land to be constructed.  Legend has it that it had to be cut down and that it was named Swarnamali Maha Chaitya in honor of a goddess who lived on the tree.  This is the largest dagoba built in the country at that time.

 The Mahavamsa states that Ven. Mahinda Thera, who came to this country during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, named this place as the place where the Great Dagoba should be built for the Buddha.  Ruwanweliseya was built by King Duttagamini (161-1131 BC) as far as our little children know.  But the king was not allowed to finish the work.  The Mahavamsa states that after the death of the king, his brother King Saddhatissa completed the rest of the work from the top of the nave of the Dagaba.  Later it became the main dagoba of the ancient temple.

 Professor T.G.  According to Kulatunga, the appearance of the Great Dagoba in the 12th century can be understood from the stupa inscription in the Nelubeva inscription.  It mentions an offer made to the Ruwanweli Seya.  It is said that the small stone stupa made by King Nissankamalla in the courtyard of the Ruwanmali Stupa has been made in the shape of the Mahathupa itself.  We can still see it today.