Photo: A.Savin · FAL · Wikimedia CommonsMirisawetiya Stupa
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Monumental constructed by King Dutugamunu on the bank of Tissa reservoir to enshrine his royal scepter containing relics of the Buddha.
Why it matters
The first monumental built by King Dutugamunu upon securing Anuradhapura, demonstrating early royal patronage of the Sangha.
Description
Built after the king realized he had partaken of chillies without offering them to the monastic community; reconstructed during the 20th century under state conservation. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Dutugamunu. Key features to look for: Classic hemispherical whitewashed profile; Carved limestone vahalkada (frontispiece) ruins; Stone monastic refectory with ancient stone rice troughs; Surrounding granite flagstone ambulatory terrace.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Atamasthana #7; UNESCO Ref: 200 (1982)
Visiting responsibly
Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.