Yudaganawa Stupa & Battleground Heritage Reserve

What is this site?

Colossal unplastered brick stupa with a circumference of over 317 meters, built on the historic battleground where Prince Dutugamunu fought his brother Saddhatissa.

Why it matters

One of the largest ancient brick stupas in the Uva Province, built as a monument of reconciliation between royal brothers.

Description

Constructed in the 2nd century BCE to mark the site where the brothers reconciled; Queen Kalyanavati restored and enlarged the stupa in the 13th century. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Saddhatissa, Queen Kalyanavati. Key features to look for: Massive unplastered kiln-fired brick stupa core and circular drum; Surrounding stone pillar clusters of the ancient royal monastery; Early Brahmi stone inscription fragments preserved on the terrace; Buttala dry-zone landscape surrounding the battleground site.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Antiquities Schedule 01; Buttala Cadastre

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.

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