Jethawanaramaya


Jethawanaramaya (Jethavana Monastery) is a historic Buddhist monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, it is home to the Jethavana Stupa, one of the tallest and largest stupas in the ancient world. This massive brick structure, originally over 120 meters high, was a significant religious and architectural achievement of its time.  


Jethawanaramaya was an important center of Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism, attracting monks and scholars from different regions. The monastery complex once housed thousands of monks and contained elaborate structures, including image houses, assembly halls, and meditation spaces. Today, it remains an important archaeological site and a place of religious significance, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and advanced engineering skills.

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