Ruwanweli Maha Seya

This great Pagoda was built in the era of King Dutugamunu and the construction completed in the regime of the next king, King Saddhathissa. It is one of the biggest stupa in Sri Lanka and probably the most significant one. It's been a part of the culture since the beginning, earning it the moniker "Maha Seya" (the great stupa). Named "Ruwanweli Seya" in the common tongue, a historical name is "Swarnamali Maha Stupa". In folklore it's said the King named the stupa after a tree deity who gave her dwelling away for the great stupa. The construction is recorded in detail in ancient texts which among other things, tells that the foundation was laid from the bedrock. The temple complex which included Maha Seya, Maha Bodhi, and Lowa Maha Paya was known as the Maha Vihara.