Who built Lankaramaya Stupa and why?

Lankaramaya was built by King Walagamba (Vattagamini Abhaya) of Anuradhapura around 103 BC. He constructed it at the site where he had taken refuge during an invasion, as an act of gratitude for the sanctuary the place had provided him. He originally named it Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya.

What is a vatadage and why is Lankaramaya famous for one?

A vatadage is a circular, roofed structure built around a central stupa, supported by concentric rings of stone pillars. Lankaramaya is notable because it preserves the remains of one of the earliest vatadage designs in Sri Lanka, with evidence of around 88 pillars that once enclosed the stupa. The form is closely related to the architecture of Thuparama, the island's first stupa.

Is Lankaramaya an active religious site or a ruin?

It is both. The central stupa has been restored and remains an active place of Buddhist worship, visited by pilgrims especially on poya days. The surrounding pillars of the ancient vatadage are in ruins, giving the site a dual character as a living shrine and an archaeological monument.

How long does it take to visit Lankaramaya Stupa?

Most visitors spend around 30 to 45 minutes at Lankaramaya itself. It is typically combined with other Anuradhapura sites in a half-day or full-day circuit, so plan at least six to eight hours to cover the main monuments of the sacred city comfortably.

Is there an entry fee for Lankaramaya?

Access to the Anuradhapura Sacred City, which includes Lankaramaya, falls under the Cultural Triangle permit system administered by Sri Lanka's Central Cultural Fund. Fees apply to foreign visitors and are typically purchased as a combined pass covering multiple sites in the area. Confirm current rates with your tour operator before travel.

Can I visit Lankaramaya and Wilpattu National Park on the same trip?

Yes. Wilpattu National Park is around 30 kilometres west of Anuradhapura, making it a practical pairing for anyone visiting the ancient city. Many travellers base themselves in Anuradhapura for two nights, spending one day on the sacred city sites and the other on an early-morning safari at Wilpattu.

What is the best way to get around Anuradhapura's ancient sites?

The sacred city covers a large area, so cycling, tuk-tuk hire, or a private vehicle are the most practical options. Bicycles can be rented near the main entrance and are popular with independent travellers. A private car or van with a driver is more comfortable in hotter months and allows you to visit sites further from the centre, including Lankaramaya.

Lankaramaya Stupa — Lakpura®

Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka: A Temple with Over Two Millenia of History

The tale of the temple Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka is the stuff of legend. The year 103 BC was a memorable year for the King Walagamba (also known as Vattagamini Abaya) of Anuraddhapura. As the rightful king he had been attacked by invaders of the kingdom, and during that year he hid out at a place called Silasobha Khandaka and planned their defeat. His plans worked out well and the invaders were destroyed in the same year, enabling him to be enthroned following the failed invasion.

Silasobha Khandaka held a very special place in his memories, as the place that saved his life and from where he started on the road to his reign. Therefore, he built a stupa in its memory and named it Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya. The stupa was similar in architecture to the Thuparama, the first stupa to be built after the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 250 BC. It was built with 88 pillars supporting the roof of the vatadage which appears to have been 45 feet in diameter. The vatadage was a roofed hall like structure that surrounded the actual stupa in the centre, with the entire structure built at 10 feet above ground level.

Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka: Present day status of the Temple

Today the actual stupa has been renovated, but little remains of the vatadage except the ruins of a few broken pillars in the middle of the large courtyard. The name of the stupa too has been changed from Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya to the simpler Lankaramaya.

Lankaramaya, along with the Elephant pond and the old underground canal network (dating back hundreds of years) are excellent examples of the complex architecture used millenia ago. They are interesting sites for archeology and histoty lovers. Lankaramaya is definitely a great place to visit on your holiday to Sri Lanka's Ancient Kingdom Anuraddhapura.