Jetavanaramaya

Jetavanaramaya: The Brick Mountain

When King Mahasen built the **Jetavanaramaya** in the 3rd century AD, he was creating one of the largest structures in the ancient world. Standing at over 400 feet at the time, it was the third tallest building in the world, surpassed only by the Great Pyramids of Giza. What makes this achievement even more staggering is that the entire monument is built from approximately 93 million baked bricks. It stands as a pinnacle of ancient hydraulic and structural engineering.

A Monument of Controversy and Scale

The construction of Jetavanaramaya was as controversial as it was grand, as it marked the rise of the Sagalika sect. The stupa is said to be built over a relic of the Buddha—a part of a sash or belt. The scale of the stupa is so immense that even today its ruins evoke a sense of overwhelming awe. The foundation of the stupa is believed to rest on solid bedrock, reaching 28 feet below ground level to support the millions of tons of brickwork above.

Scaling the Heights of History with HBS Tours

At **HBS Tours**, we focus on the "Engineering and Art" of Jetavanaramaya. Our guides explain the fascinating mathematics behind the stupa's construction and take you to the Jetavanaramaya Museum nearby, which houses a collection of ancient beads, Roman coins, and Buddhist relics discovered during excavations. This reveals Anuradhapura's role as a major hub in the ancient Silk Road.

Traveler Activities

Explore the "Image House" (Patimaghara) which contains a large monolithic Buddha statue, though now partially in ruins. The stone doorway of this structure is particularly impressive due to its massive height. We also recommend a walk around the vast circular terrace (*Salapathala Maluwa*) to truly grasp the scale of the brick mountain. The surrounding wooded area is perfect for observing local bird species and occasional monitor lizards.