The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, located in the ruins of Jetavana Monastery. King Mahasena (273-301 CE) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara, his son Maghavanna completed the construction of the stupa. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here. At the time of its completion it was the third highest structure in the world.

Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and famous for its well-preserved ruins. From the 4th century BCE until the beginning of the 11th century CE it was the capital. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km簡).