An ancient sacred stupa north of Ampara, counted among the sixteen holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and linked by legend to a visit of the Buddha.

Overview

Deegavapi is one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist places of worship in Sri Lanka, a venerable stupa and archaeological site set in the paddy-field country north of Ampara. According to tradition, the Buddha himself rested here with his monks during a visit to the island, giving the site profound significance for pilgrims. The great mound, long ruined and now the focus of a major restoration, is surrounded by the remains of an ancient monastery and draws worshippers especially on poya full-moon days.

History

The Mahavamsa records that the stupa was built by King Saddhatissa, who reigned in the 2nd century BCE, over a spot hallowed by a visit of the Buddha. It was renovated by later kings, including in the 18th century under Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy, before falling into ruin. Excavations have uncovered inscribed gold foil and other relics, and a modern restoration of the stupa has been under way in recent years.