The largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, a great bell-shaped brick dome modelled on the ancient dagobas of Anuradhapura.

Overview

Rankoth Vehera, the 'gold-pinnacled stupa', is the biggest dagoba in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in Sri Lanka, rising over 50 metres above a broad paved terrace. Built in the classic Anuradhapura style, its rounded brick dome and encircling shrines make an imposing sight, especially at sunset when the brickwork glows warm. Pilgrims walk the terrace in white, and the surrounding ruins reward a quiet wander.

History

The stupa was built in the 12th century by King Nissanka Malla, who consciously modelled it on the great stupas of the earlier capital at Anuradhapura. An inscription records that the king himself supervised its construction. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.