Rankoth Vehera is one of the most prominent sites of worship in Sri Lanka. Every year Buddhists from all corners of the island visit this iconic temple. It is also a famous attraction that many tourists also visit. You will be able to explore this site with great ease as you are traveling in the island with Green Holiday Centre.
History of the Rankoth Vehera
Rankoth Vehera is located in the city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second ancient capital in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). It is said that Rankoth Vehera and the famous Ruwanweliseya of Anuradhapura have quite a few similarities.
The name of the stupa simply means “Stupa with a Golden Pinnacle”. The main structure of the stupa is made up of brick. The diameter of the base is 170 meters. The height of the stupa is 33 meters. However, it is believed that the original stupa would have had a height of 61 meters! The renovation work which was carried out onsite by the kings who ruled later on, would have resulted in the change of the height and shape of the stupa. In spite of this, Rankoth Vehera, is still the largest stupa in the city of Polonnaruwa. It is also the fourth largest stupa in the paradise island of Sri Lanka.
The complex includes four vahalkadas as well. The vahalkada is a platform of sorts which was used to offer flowers. It also helps to bear the weight of the entire structure. The majestic stupa stands in the centre of a large terrace. A stone inscription found onsite mentions that King Nissanka Malla himself worshipped the stupa on a small platform.
Try to read as much as you can about the iconic attractions in the country, so you will be able to make your tours in the paradise island of Sri Lanka a lot more insightful.