Abstract:
Ruwanwelimahaseya is known as the best creation in the history of Sri Lankan pagoda
construction. This, which is venerated with a lot of piety, was also called Swarnamali
Mahachethiya, Hemamali, Swarnamali, Ruwanmali, Rathnamali, Rathnawaluka,
Suwannamali, Hemawaluka, Rathanawaluka and Rathanamali. This pagoda, unlike the first
biggest pagoda Thuparama, Mirisawetiya, Abayagiriya, and Jethawanaramaya, was not
reconstructed. It is 120 cubits in height. This pagoda which contains Lord Buddha's paribogika
(relics of objects used by Buddha), uddesika (remembrance relics), and sharirika (body relics),
is venerated by Buddhists with a lot of respect. When reviewing the discourses related to
Ruwanweliseya, we can see how it deals with diverse religious and cultural aspects. This pagoda
which was constructed in the 2nd century, silently exhibits the skills and spirituality of the
ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The main intention of this research is to analyze the nature of
this great king's social service as depicted by this pagoda. Also the researcher attempts to
analyze if this is a mere artistic creation or an epitome of the ancient artists' spirituality. The
scholars attempt to emphasize that the respect people have towards the incomparable emperor
Duttagamini is one reason why this pagoda is outstanding among the others. One who looks at
this creation from a perspective based on power and authority may consider this as an outcome
of a mere political and religious mission. Scholars reveal various interpretations about the
construction of Ruwanweliseya. However, they have not taken the time, space, and structure of
the pagoda into consideration. The information gathered by the field researchers who conducted
research about Rywanweliseya will be analyzed in the study. Also literary and archeological
sources would be comparatively analyzed. Thus, the main target is to conduct a historical and
archeological study on the impact of this pagoda on people's spiritual and moral reformation.
The information gathered by the field researchers who conducted research about
Rywanweliseya will be analyzed in the study. Also literary and archeological sources would be
comparatively analyzed. Thus, the main target is to conduct a historical and archeological study
on the impact of this pagoda on people's spiritual and moral reformation.
