Mirisaweti Dagoba, Anuradhapura - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 1 km from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Mirisawetiya is a Buddhist vihara located in Anuradhapura. Situated along the banks of Tissa Wewa, it is yet another tourist and religious spot in the ancient capital of the country, Anuradhapura.

Mirisaweti Dagoba was built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), after defeating King Elara and was the first monument built by the king following his consecration. The location of the great stupa, according to the great historical narrative, Mahavamsa, is of exceptional significance. The story behind the creation of this splendid stupa is that after the king had successfully completed the war with the Cholas, the sceptre that contained the Relic of Buddha was stored by the king in a place before leaving for the water festival at Tissa Wewa. When he returned, he found the sceptre to be immovable. He then decided to provide shelter to this relic to safeguard it.

Having completed the construction in three years, the king donated the Viharaya to the Buddhist monks. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha) and the dome, enshrining the sacred relic, rises above the ground to 192 feet. Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated. What stands today is the renovation done by the cultural Triangle Fund in the 1990s.

Timings: 8 AM - 5.30 PM

Entry: USD. 25 for Foreigners & USD. 12 for SAARC Nationals (Including entry to all the historical sites except Maha Bodhi & Isurumuniya)