Located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Thuparama Image House is an ancient Buddhist shrine originally dating back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the stone ruins and deep religious history of Sri Lanka's earliest monastic complexes.

Why visit Thuparama Image House

• Historical Significance: Thuparamaya is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism was introduced, commissioned by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE under the guidance of Mahinda Thero, enshrining the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha.
• Sacred Buddhist Site: It is one of the Atamasthana (eight most sacred sites in Anuradhapura) and holds the 12th position in Solosmasthana (sixteen sacred sites of Sri Lanka), making it a revered location for Buddhist devotees.
• Architectural Marvel: The complex features one of the very few surviving Patimaghara (Image Houses) of the ancient Maha Vihara, with unique pillars adorned with vajra or trident motifs symbolizing the Buddha’s unshakable wisdom.
• Cultural Richness: The entrance to the Image House boasts intricately carved moonstones, balustrades, and guardstones, showcasing the artistic sophistication of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship.
• Ancient Reservoir: The Basawakkulama Wewa, located nearby, is Sri Lanka’s oldest reservoir, built in the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya, reflecting the advanced engineering and water management of the era.