JETAVANARAMAYA STUPA

This stupa, visible from afar, is 122 meters high and is the third highest ancient building in the world after the two main pyramids of Giza. A veritable artificial hill containing 10 million bricks, it was built in twenty-four years in the 3rd century AD. Construction began during the era of King Mahasena after the destruction of the Maha Vihara by him. It is emblematic of the tensions and rivalries between the Theravada and Mahayana schools. It is supposed to contain the belt and alms bowl of Buddha.