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Anuradhapura, North Central · 8.3516°, 80.4037°
A colossal brick stupa at Anuradhapura begun by King Mahasena in the late 3rd century and finished by his son Kithsirimevan, raised amid the rivalry between the Mahavihara and Mahayana factions. At about 122 metres it was once the tallest stupa in the world and among the tallest structures of antiquity; Parakramabahu I renovated it in the 12th century.
What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.
A piece of a sash worn by the Buddha is believed to be the relic enshrined within it, and the surrounding forest is said to be named Jetavana after the grove where Mahinda preached.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Anuradhapura Kingdom
Answers only from cited records
Opening the line…