What does the name Yudaganawa mean?

Yudaganawa translates roughly as "the chaitya of the battlefield" in Sinhala. The name commemorates the location where Princes Dutugemunu and Saddatissa fought over succession to the throne, and the subsequent reconciliation that led to the stupa's construction.

Is Yudaganawa a Kota Vehera?

It was long believed to be a Kota Vehera, a stupa design where a smaller stupa sits atop a larger unfinished base. Recent archaeological excavations have disproved this, showing that Yudaganawa was at one point a complete, conventional stupa whose upper sections later deteriorated.

How large is the Yudaganawa stupa?

The stupa has a circumference of approximately 317 metres (around 1,040 ft), placing it among the larger ancient dagobas in Sri Lanka. Despite its impressive scale, the site remains relatively little visited compared to the better-known stupas of Anuradhapura.

Which chronicle records the history of Yudaganawa?

The historical chronicle Rajaveliya contains the account of the battle between Princes Dutugemunu and Saddatissa and the subsequent erection of the stupa to mark their reconciliation. The Rajaveliya is one of several Sinhala-language chronicles that supplement the more widely cited Pali text, the Mahavamsa.

Can I combine a visit to Yudaganawa with a national park trip?

Yes, Yudaganawa is conveniently located for travellers heading to or from Udawalawe National Park to the southwest. The two destinations complement each other well, combining an archaeological and religious heritage experience with a wildlife safari on the same day or over consecutive days.

What district is Yudaganawa in?

Yudaganawa is located in the Moneragala district, Uva Province, in southeastern Sri Lanka. Buttala is the nearest significant town, from which the site is accessible by road.

Is Yudaganawa open to non-Buddhist visitors?

The site is open to all visitors. As with any active Buddhist sacred site in Sri Lanka, it is respectful to dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees — and to remove footwear before approaching the main stupa platform. Photography is generally permitted in the grounds.

Yudaganawa — Lakpura®

Yudaganawa Chaitya is circumference of 317 m (1,040 ft) and was initially thought to be a Kota Vehera - a large stupa built half way with a smaller stupa built on top of that. Recent archaeological excavations however have proved that this was not a Kota Vehera but at one time was a complete stupa.

According to the historic chronicle, Rajaveliya, this is the location where two brothers, Prince Dutugemunu and Prince Saddatissa had a battle over the throne of the kingdom. Prince Saddatissa lost the battle and fled to take refuge in Dematamal viharaya at Okkampitiya. The Queen Mother, Viharamahadevi, was saddened by the animosity between her two sons, pleaded with them to make amends. As a result, the two brothers made peace with each other and to mark this a colossal stupa was erected on the battlefield where they had fought. Some historians believe that it was the site of an already existing chaitya, which was then reconstructed and named Yudagana Chaitya.

Nearby places

11 places within about 25 km, nearest first.