Girihandu Seya

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An ancient stupa built on a small hillock in the time of Buddha by two merchants named Tapassu and Bhalluka enshrining hair relics of Gautama Buddha. The stupa is highly respected by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. There is a vatadage built on a raised stone pavilion providing shelter to a small stupa on top of the summit with four entrances, with stone stairways, guardstones, and balustrades.

The original stupa was supposed to be smaller than what it is now. It was enlarged and renovated in the 8th century in the time of King Aggabodhi VI. The rock pillars look similar to the ones can be found in Thuparamaya of Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura. It was later repaired by King Vijayabahu I of Polonnaruwa during the 11th century.

The merchants Tapassu and Bhalluka were significant in Buddhist teachings. While going to Rajagaha (Rajgir) they met the Buddha after his first enlightenment. They were the two people to offer the first meal to Gautama Buddha and the first lay disciples. When they requested something from the Buddha to worship the Buddha gave them eight handfuls of his hair. During a visit to Sri Lanka they enshrined some of the hair relics and built the Girihandu Seya.